Roman Sustov - prints and biography

Roman Sustov (b. 1977, Minsk, Belarus) is an internationally recognized printmaker whose work bridges the traditions of stone lithography, etching, and linocut with a distinctly modern sensibility. Best known for his ex libris prints, Sustov has established himself as a master of small-format graphics that combine technical precision with imaginative storytelling. His art often blends elements of fantasy and fairy tales, reinterpreted through a contemporary lens, creating images that are both whimsical and profound.

Sustov’s formal training began at Minsk Art College, where he graduated in 1995. He continued his education at the Belarusian Academy of Arts, specializing in graphic arts and completing his studies in 2001. This long and rigorous training gave him mastery over multiple traditional printmaking techniques, including etching, lithography, and linocut, all of which continue to inform his practice.

From early in his career, Sustov became widely known for his ex libris works—personalized bookplate prints that serve as both artistic expression and collectible objects. These works, celebrated for their intricate detail and imaginative content, have earned him numerous awards at international ex libris competitions. His reputation in this field has brought his prints into public and private collections across Europe, Asia, and the United States, with holdings in Germany, Poland, Ukraine, Japan, Russia, Belarus, and the Netherlands. The Contemporary Fine Art Museum in Minsk also preserves examples of his work, further anchoring his place in Belarusian cultural history.

Beyond ex libris, Sustov has found success as a book illustrator, collaborating with major Russian and Belarusian publishers. He is a frequent award-winner at exhibitions such as An Artist and a Book, where his ability to enliven text with visual imagination has been consistently recognized.

Thematically, Sustov returns again and again to the realms of folklore, myth, and fairy tale. His images, often populated with fantastical creatures, enchanted landscapes, and allegorical symbols, reflect his lifelong fascination with storytelling. As the artist himself has noted, he seeks to create pictures that “enliven and animate words,” a process he likens to a form of artistic magic.

Through his mastery of traditional techniques and his imaginative approach to narrative, Roman Sustov has become one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary Belarusian printmaking, continuing to enchant audiences worldwide.