Shcherbenko Art Centre

STRUGGLE

VILNIUS ART FAIR 2023

13/10 – 15/10/2023

This struggle is for the long haul. This is the main idea that resonates in the conversations of Ukrainians wherever they may be. Each of them sooner or later realizes this and must understand for themselves what their personal struggle for common independence will be like, and therefore their right to exist, to be themselves, and to be on their native land. Some continue or begin this struggle on the front lines, some on the home front, and some abroad. Ukrainian artists also contemplate this state in their work—the realization of being in a protracted struggle, possibly lasting longer than a lifetime.

The project “Struggle” by the Shcherbenko Art Centre at the Vilnius Art Fair 2023 can be roughly divided into two parts, corresponding to the materials used: ceramics and paper. Both of these fragile materials allow artists to convey and depict their experiences and thoughts about the strongest feeling within us – the determination to continue the struggle.

This way, Vlada Ralko transforms, or rather, turns upside down, the traditionally stable image of a caryatid – a subjugated woman destined to support a structural element of a building. And now, Ralko’s caryatid acquires a subversive power in its ability to plunge into the abyss. Volodymyr Say has depicted in ceramics the symbol of death, which inevitably awaits everyone and each one of us. This symbol is frightening, but at the same time, it encourages reflection on the meaning of life. Aliona Naumenko, on the other hand, depicts life itself – fragile sprouts that appear surprisingly resilient. They sprout from means of destruction thrown into the ground instead of seeds, proclaiming that even from death, life will still be born, and it is worth fighting for this.

For Olha Kuzyura, a paper serves as a carrier of memory, spirituality, and sacred knowledge, providing strength. Ruslan, on the other hand, compressed paper to depict the realization of his identity and to stand firmly on his own two feet. Zhenia Laptii printed photographs of picturesque landscapes of Eastern Ukraine on paper. However, these are also front-line territories, littered with mines: they are impossible not to admire, but at the same time, they are impossible to traverse. It’s the homeland that beckons like a magnet and is a forbidden fruit, estranged by the enemy. And this estrangement of the most desired does not allow the struggle to stop.

A significant place in the exhibition is occupied by the extensive work on canvas by the artist Vasyl Savchenko, which helps him comprehend the process of struggle, its meaning, and essence.

The fourteenth fair in Vilnius will take place from October 13th to October 15th at the Lithuanian Exhibition and Congress Centre Litexpo (Parodų g. 1, 04133 Vilnius, Lithuania). The project “Struggle” is produced with the financial assistance of the European Union. The views expressed herein can in no way be taken to reflect the official opinion of the European Union. The project is taking place upon the invitation of the Art Vilnius team.