Invasion Redux. Installation, Paintings, Photography and Video by Mykola Zhuravel

January 22 – February 14, 2016
Reception for the artist: Friday, January 22 from 6-8pm
Please RSVP

Mykola Zhuravel is a noted contemporary Ukrainian artist based in Kyiv, who works topically and authoritatively in multiple media –– painting, mixed-media relief, installation, photography, and video.

Invasion Redux debuts 18 painstakingly crafted artworks, on a central theme, metaphorically exploring the artist’s visceral response to the tragic political and military events ensued in eastern Ukraine; more precisely, the Russian-sponsored invasion of a neighboring sovereign nation.

For this exhibition project, Mr. Zhuravel stages, photographs, and films models donned in stylized gladiator armor uncovered in a variety of activities from bacchanalian wedding scenes, battle preparedness, lounging, and sprawling amongst toys –– all with malevolent pretense and aggression. Ironically, the artist’s gladiator (read: mercenary) mask ingeniously forms the outline of the bear, an “unmasking”, if one will, of the true influence behind these perverse proceedings. Ultimately, Mr. Zhuravel’s tragic play conjures a theatre of the absurd perpetrated on the part of the antagonist.

Visitors coming to view Invasion Redux will have the opportunity to absorb Mykola Zhuravel’s deliberate vision by immersing in his artistry and craft, thus, fully experiencing a multi-dimensional occupation still unfolding.

Co-curated by Walter Hoydysh, PhD and Mykola Zhuravel, Invasion Redux marks Mr. Zhuravel’s fourth solo exhibition at The Ukrainian Institute of America.

A fully illustrated catalogue will accompany the exhibition, with an essay by Oleh Sidorov-Hibelynda.

Read full press release here