Never Denying Himself

We are very grateful that Ivan Zemtsov decided to display his works
at a small personal exhibition in 1989. His first book of drawings
"Following Tomorrow" was published 3 years later.
For this young artist, as yet unnoticed by galleries and museums,
this was his first attempt to display his works to the public.
With the publication of his second book under the same title
he once again introduced us to his own, very personal world.

Ivan is 32, has a Ph. D. in linguistics and heads
The Library Information Department of Mari State University.
For him, drawing has long been more than just a hobby.
As he says now, he "cannot help doing it".

His works challenge the public with their insight.
The artist himself believes that by breeding doubts in human souls,
he makes us realize that the world is not quite so simple and schematic
and that we have forgotten how to appreciate what is new in it.

Ivan's art is absolutely genuine.
It is the product of deep and strong feelings of a very sensitive human being,
and it bears the seal of a striking personality.
Let us never deny ourselves, just the way Ivan Zemtsov never does as he walks,
following tomorrow, along the hard but rewarding path
of creative search and spiritual self-perfection.

Igor Krasnov