“Black master” Andrei Dashkov: Experience of psychedelic prose

PRAVDA.Ru presents a conversation with one of the most interesting representatives of Ukrainian science fiction Andrei Dashkov. While analysing his works, critics say about a “permanent shock”. Andrei Dashkov was born in Charkov, Ukraine, in 1965. He graduated from Charkov Aviation Institute and works in a research institute of electric apparatus building. He is the author of novels “The Apostate”, “The Deceived”, “The Disfigured”, “The Star of the Underworld” and of others. He is said to be the “most powerful Black Master of science fiction.” Andrei Dashkov works at the turn of many genres (black fantasy, horror, mystic thriller, psychedelic literature and a “hard” science fiction). He has no literature plans. While talking to journalists he is very lapidary.

Q. What did stimulate your writing: a book read by you, a mystery, a bed weather?

A. I hardly could find the only reason, all the more on the rational level. That was probably something subconscious, and once a necessity appeared to take a pan.

Q. You belong to not many authors writing in Russian in style of “black fantasy” (if my definition is right). Why did you choose namely this way?

A. First of all, only my early works could be referred to “black fantasy”: “Travelling of Senor” and trilogy about Egyptian vulture Lyuger. Second, I have never chosen something consciously – either the way, or the genre.

Q. I suppose, in Russian literature, there is not such a tradition. What are the roots of your neglect of any humanism?

A. I do not want to discuss what it is “humanism”, though as for me, it is more important to get rid of illusions, than to inspire a false faith and hope. Apropos, do you remember, what the final of Russian humanists in 1917 was? In spite of “humanistic traditions”, we have probably the most bloody and obscure history in the world, at least taking into account the number of victims.

Q. You seem to know very well anomalous psychic conditions? Or, the question is about the norm?

A. Something must be expressed, the rest does not matter.

Q. What is literature for you: profession, a door into another world, a hobby?

A. It is most likely a way of self-expression.

Q. According to Russian poet Alexandr Pushkin, “inspiration is not for sale, but a manuscript could be sold.” Is it really so, especially in Ukraine?

A. In Ukraine, probably everything could be sold, even a manuscript. Especially if one concludes a treaty with devil.

Q. What are your favourite books?

A. It is senseless to call several “favourite” books. Everything changes. It depends on age, circumstances, mood.

Q. What could you say about contemporary Ukrainian literary life?

A. If even it does exist, I am not very interested in it.

Q. In your opinion, how will be the literature of the new century – in Ukraine, in Russia, in the world?

A. I suppose, it is the job of critics to discuss it. All the more, the reality will for sure differ from any forecasts. Thank Good.

Q. A traditional question: what are your creative plans?

A. I have none.

Q. And if you are tired of writing (such things happen), to what will you devote yourself?

A. To love, but not to war.

Conversation carried out by Andrei Lubenski PRAVDA.Ru

Translated by Vera Solovieva

Read the original in Russian: http://www.pravda.ru/main/2002/01/03/35311.html