Not long ago, the exhibition "Dyslexics in Contemporary Art" took place, where Sergio Bello's paintings were displayed alongside works by world-renowned dyslexic artists: Jackson Pollock, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso. The exhibition also featured works by students of the Institute of Contemporary Art. The exhibition was vibrant and diverse, but what stood out most to me was its atmosphere of warmth, kindness, mutual understanding, openness, and respect, even toward the youngest but talented artists.
My first question is to the most important person in the life of each of us, to my mother, Maria Yusupova.
How did you recognize your son's creative abilities?
Even in early childhood, I noticed how Seryozha drew in an unusual way. For example, when he took a sheet of paper and drew himself, he would trace the entire outline, carefully detailing everything, filling the whole page. His works were very serious for a child. As an art historian, I saw this and occasionally slipped him some robots to draw, and they turned out so cool, unlike anything else. My son creates his works at night—that’s when inspiration strikes him. In the morning, we wake up, see his work, and freeze, wondering, “What is this?” At first, it seems incomprehensible, but when we look closer, we fall in love with it. This summer, he mastered large canvases, and that’s how the idea for the exhibition was born.
You not only buy paints and canvases for your son, but you probably also somehow develop the artist in him?
Absolutely. Let’s start with the fact that he’s growing up in a family of art historians. Sergei has the blood of a true artist running through his veins, as his grandfather, Boris Ivanovich Belyaninov, was a painter. He worked his entire life as the chief restorer at the Historical Museum. Our home is filled with paintings of various genres. From a young age, we took our children to countless museums and galleries. His eye is naturally “trained” in painting. He understands and knows art.
And I know that Sergey also acted in films. Is it true?
Yes. Director Maxim Voronkov used to cast Sergei in small episodic roles, and this time he invited him to play the role of the boy the main character falls in love with. It's a children's film with the working title "Fairytale Party". It should be out by Christmas.
Sergey, what inspires you to paint?
My mother, my thinking. Creativity for me is such a relaxation. I can pour my whole soul into one picture. I see how much beauty and beauty there is in summer, how much winter hides, so there are series of pictures dedicated to the seasons, which reflect my worldview.
You recently tried yourself as an actor. Which profession is closer to you?
Still an artist. But I really enjoyed acting in films. How is a drawing created? You have an idea in your head, and you nurture it as long as you want, then you bring it to life. But in films, everything is different. A film is created by a whole team, where everyone has their own important task. And only if everyone works harmoniously, there will be a result. It is much harder.