.ART

Above: Stepan Ryabchenko, “Hunter” (2020), size varies, digital print face-mounted to Diasec

The exciting project features works by artists from all across the world. This includes:

• The pop-surreal works of Kenny Scharf – an American artist and friend of Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat, and Keith Haring.
• Conceptual photography by American artist Alex Yudzon, and the works of Swedish artist Anders Krisár.
• Expressive painting with elements of computer graphics, and installation by Vasiliy Ryabchenko, as well as wooden paintings by Lucien Dulfan.
• The ironic works of American artist Samuel Jablon and British artist Richie Culver.
• Kinetic sculptures by Nik Ramage, and the surreal ceramic by Roxanne Jackson and Lynda Draper.
• Abstract works by the Spanish artist Guillermo Mora, and the spatial deconstruction of German artist Felix Schramm.
• The distorted reality found in the critical works of American artist Robert Lazzarini

Among many others, including computer viruses by Stepan Ryabchenko and his new work, “Hunter”, which is what gave birth to the idea of “launching” Strange Time.

The Strange Time project was created as an innovative website with .art domain on the principle of a constantly developing living organism, and so as the virus itself, but as an artistic antidote, replenished by artists from around the world and expanding its borders, says Stepan Ryabchenko.

The goal of the art exhibition was to host a platform where artists from multiple countries, generations, and viewpoints have a place to showcase their points of view on today’s “strange time”. Once the quarantine is lifted, the exhibition will move from the virtual space into real life, hosted at the National Center “Ukrainian House” in Kyiv, as well as other institutions of the countries participating in the project.

Art has never had barriers or been constrained by parameters of physical space. That is until now, where global events have forced new constraints. Our communities and economies have been drastically altered both globally and locally due to the impact of Covid-19. Borders and countries are closing themselves in on the world. Ethics and human rights are being challenged to limit the spread of the virus,

Ryabchenko adds and continues: “Our experience has shown us that sometimes to be ethical, unethical tools are necessary. In this world in crisis, systemic issues hidden within our society, waiting for the right time to manifest themselves, have found their catalyst —Covid-19.”

As the world freezes in uncertainty, people are desperately looking for ways of salvation and answers to the endless stream of questions that flood us. Some could consider this a time of fear and loss, but is it not also a time to modify our expectations, face new challenges, and embrace the opportunities to make the world a better place?

“This is what we at Strange Time strive to provide. A place to show what creative energy is aimed at today and how the artist sees this time. Because in times of uncertainty, art has been among the first that tries to shed a light on the darkness to help us find a way to reveal a new world and a new system of relations. Art matters! Strange Time gives art space, where it can let its voice be heard and where it can count!” Stepan Ryabchenko concludes.

Official website: www.strangetime.art