Ukraine callingZoot Sees

Representing a nation

"Ukraine Exhibition" in Barcelona showcases some of the best modern Ukrainian art

Painting by Ukrainian artist Ksenia Datsiuk.

 

Presenting a collection of one-of-a-kind artworks made by 14 Ukrainian artists, the “Ukraine Exhibition” at Port Gallery in Barcelona and will open its doors until September 14th. Curated by Manel Giménez, the exhibition displays an anthology of remarkable paintings and sculpture pieces.

Words by Fernanda Russomano

 

Spread across different European countries, all featured artists are representing their nation in this unique all-Ukrainian exhibition. Among them is Barcelona-based Ukrainian contemporary artist Nina Murashkina, displaying her “Beautiful Ukrainian refugee at the border” piece, a 150-cm round artwork made with a combination of acrylic paint and golden leaves applied on linen. The painting, which features on the promotional poster of the exhibition, is part of Murashkina’s new art series influenced by the war in Ukraine and refers to the Ukrainians who had to take refuge in other countries.

According to her, “most of the refugees are women. Among them are completely heartbroken women. But there are also young, beautiful [women], ready for a new life and achievements.” With this powerful painting, the artist depicts a refugee woman holding a mirror: “What is seen in the mirror? Only a smiling mouth, on the verge of a nervous breakdown or hope”, Murashkina explains.

 

Nina Murashkina: “Beautiful Ukrainian refugee at the border”; acrylic, golden leaf, linen; D150 cm 2022

 

Also featured in this exhibition is Barcelona-based Ukrainian painter, designer and architect Mykola Kornilov, displaying his collection of illustrations titled “Ukrainian landscapes 2022.” Using watercolor and gouache techniques, the artist depicts in a series of artworks different scenarios of the war in Ukraine. From explosions and bombs to modified landscapes, Kornilov illustrates the heartbreaking impact of the war inside the country with dark and gloomy paintings.

 

(Left) Mykola Kornilov: “White phosphorus bombs”; watercolor, gouash; 40,7 x 29,7 cm    |     (Right) Mykola Kornilov: “Beach season in Mariupol”; watercolor, gouash; 40,7 x 29,7 cm

 

(Left) Mykola Kornilov: “Can’t run away”; watercolor, gouash; 40,7 x 29,7 cm    |     (Right) Mykola Kornilov: “Boom!”; watercolor, gouash; 40,7 x 29,7 cm

 

(Left) Mykola Kornilov: “The winds of war”; watercolor, gouash; 40,7 x 29,7 cm    |     (Right) Mykola Kornilov: “Animals suffering during the war”; watercolor, gouash; 40,7 x 29,7 cm

 

The exhibition features a few sculptures like the “seal” art piece, a unique sculpture made in 2016 by Ukrainian sculptor Nikita Zigura. The acrylic sculpture with airbrushed details resembles a human bust emerging from the water and represents humans seeking relaxation in an aquatic environment as a form of meditation, usually wearing clothing pieces with a similar texture as the skin of animals of this habitat, e.g., a seal.

 

Nikita Zigura: “Seal”; acrylic, airbrush; 50 x 52 x 39 cm 2016.

 

Another sculpture displayed at the gallery is Egor Zigura’s “Colossus that Fell.” The bronze and plastic piece is a social criticism in art form. With this sculpture the artist depicts the “consequences of progress”, stating that “[…] industrialization and globalization have reached all corners of the planet, and the planet is cracking under their pressure. […] We live in the time of consumption, and this is a more obvious way to fall. The collapse of our civilization may be more far-reaching than any of the past.” Symbolizing our civilization, Egor made a broken Greco-Roman male sculpture half-sunken in a translucid rectangular block, warning against an even closer collapse.

 

Egor Zigura: “Colossus that Fell”; bronze and polymeric materials; 87 x 23 x 15 cm 2015

 

From in Berlin, Anna Moskaletz is another artist featured in the exhibition. The Ukrainian Contemporary artist – who was mentored by two leading Ukrainian artists, Artem Volokitin and Tatiana Malinovskaya – displays at the gallery a white and blue painting that resembles a human silhouette with a large bowl on its chest.

Anna Moskalets; Oil on canvas; 120 x 90 cm.

 

The Ukrainian artist Tetiana Cherevan from Cherkasy, is now based in Barcelona. The two works wich are on display from Tetiana were created in May in the Port Gallery workshop Art Residency.

The canvasses convey the idea that every person in the world should live happily in peace. The ornament on the dress reflects the tree of life, which is a Ukrainian symbol for family. The woman holds a dove, the symbol of peace, with hope for a happy future. Red color sharpens perception, since it reflects blood being shed in war now in Ukraine.
― Tetiana Cherevan

Tetiana Cherevan: “I wish I had wings”; Acrylic on canvas; 100 x 80 cm

 

Along with those mentioned above, the eight other Ukrainian artists featured in the exhibition include: Oleksandra Voronina; Anna Bondar; Anna Orlova; Ivan Pidhainyi; Ksenia Datsiuk; Olga Karika; Tetiana Bobyr and Valeriia Buchuk.

Olga Karika: “CAESUS”; oil on canvas 60 х 50 сm.

 

Ivan Pidhainyi: “Pelt 01”

 

Alexandra Voronina: “Virginity 01”.

 

Art piece by Tetiana Bobyr.

 

 

The “Ukraine Exhibition” will be in display until September 14th at Port Gallery Barcelona, located in the historic center of the city (address: C/ Josep Anselm Clavé 13 08002). For more information contact Port Gallery Barcelona via Instagram.

All images courtesy of Port Gallery Barcelona.

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