Shadows of Us
February 24, 2024-April 14, 2024
Art Axcess Gallery
West Hollywood, 90046
Art Axcess Gallery is honored to an-nounce “Shadows of Us,” a powerful and timely group exhibition, opening during Frieze Los Angeles Art Week. It showcases the works of emerging Ukrainian fe-male artists Inna Kharchuk, Anna Veriki, Iryna Maksymova, and Liza Zhdanova. The opening on February 24, 2024, coincides with the second anniversary of the full-scale Russian military invasion of Ukraine. In the context of conflict, this exhibition explores both individual and shared experiences, offering insights into the country’s path of enduring hardship and resilience.
78 x 55 in 200 x 140 cm
The artists explore themes deeply rooted in history and nostalgia, engaging with the past not just as a memory but as a vital part of their present narrative. The artworks embody a response to recent hardships, offering a visual dialogue that bridges the gap between Ukraine’s turbulent history and its contemporary reality. These pieces resonate with the collective memory of a nation, echoing the senti-ments of loss, strength, and enduring hope.
In the face of economic challenges, the artists express a compelling inclination toward personal indulgences. Their works celebrate life’s simple joys and plea-sures, showcasing the human spirit’s unyielding capacity for finding beauty and solace amidst adversity. This theme underscores the importance of personal joy and self-expression in challenging times, offering a counterpoint to the narrative of struggle.
Acrylic pastels spray markers on canvas
53 18 x 59 78 in 135 x 152 cm
Iryna Maksymova’s works are a testament to authenticity and individuality, un-earthing the layers of self through personal stories and emotions. Inna Kharchuk’s pieces resonate with the powerful motif of motherhood, portray-ing the complex yet joyful task of raising children in extraordinary circumstances, underscoring the role of women as both nurturers and pillars of hope.Anna Veriki’s paintings explore the longing for freedom and the dynamic shifts of a society striving for peace and sovereignty. Meanwhile, Liza Zhdanova confronts the stark realities of war, offering a con-templative space for viewers to engage with the intricate fabric of conflict and its lasting effects on the human spirit.
Moreover, “Shadows of Us” addresses the theme of generational trauma, explor-ing the long-term effects of conflict and upheaval on individuals and communi-ties. The artists’ works are poignant narratives that weave together the past and present, shedding light on how historical events shape the experiences of future generations.
Oil on canvas 60 x 82 in 150 x 210 cm
“Shadows of Us” offers a powerful and deeply human perspective on contempo-rary life and art in Ukraine. It invites viewers to engage with the narratives of resil-ience, transformation, and the indomitable human spirit, as expressed through the unique voices of these talented Ukrainian artists.
Shadows of Us opens on February 24 until April 14, 2024 at Art Axcess Gallery
©2024 Art Axcess Gallery
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