"You should not look for a gallery or a curator, just do your job the way you want", Oleh Tistol

17

November

2017

Oleh Tistol is a famous Ukrainian artist, one of the brightest representatives of the "Ukrainian New Wave", the author of large-scale installation projects, photographs and sculptures. His paintings are sold at the prestigious Phillips de Pury and Sotheby's auctions, stored in museums and private collections in the United States and Europe. The author’s style makes his works vivid and recognizable. The arrival of Oleh Tistol to Uzhhorod is already a significant event. Thus we prepared interesting questions, as the answers to them are very important for us! Join the interesting conversation and get inspired together with us!

"Uzhhorod has a huge chance to become the cultural capital of Ukraine"

Oddly, but you are in Uzhhorod for the first time …

I haму been to the Transcarpathia before, but despite the venerable age, it’s my first visit to Uzhhorod, and this is my conscious choice – I like coming to places with a certain goal: exhibitions or certain art events, then you I see the real cultural life of the city.

Were you invited to be a jury member of the "Silver Easel" contest?

Yes, I was. At first, I saw the catalogue of the first contest, and then there was a strengthening of its reputation. I heard a lot about the "Silver Easel" from the famous curator Igor Abramovych, who, to a certain extent, took care of this art event. I heard about the founders Robert and Nataliya Brovdi. And it was a moment when it became clear to me that everything was serious, it was worth taking part – that's how I had to go there (He smiles – The author).

And how do you like our European town?

I would like to express my compliments to Uzhhorod! In general, there are very positive impulses form Transcarpathia – a lot of young Transcarpathian artists come to the international symposium of contemporary art "Biriuchyi", which is a very serious project in the art life. In general, I was acquainted with the art space of Transcarpathia. But now I had an opportunity to take part in a big cultural project, and I took it!

We know that you have visited the construction of the future art space in Uzhhorod. Did you like it?

I saw the construction of a cultural centre, heard of the plans and people who provide an expert opinion, noted the representation at the contest, and made a complete picture. Thus, I want Uzhhorod to become an example for Ukraine in the establishment of such projects. There are no state museums of contemporary art in Ukraine, there are some successful or unsuccessful PR projects, but there is no systematic work on culture and contemporary art in a modern city. I hope very much that the Brovdi family will fulfil their plan and in a few years such museums will appear in Mykolaiiv or Vinnytsia, in those cities that are ready for this project. Uzhhorod has a huge chance for a certain period of time to become the cultural capital of Ukraine.

"I, for example, position myself as something exotic"

Tell us please about your preferences in music and art?

Since my childhood, my favourite artists are Paul Cezanne, Henri Matisse, later - Andy Warhol and so on. In music - The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles…

Eatery, acrylic on canvas, 150 x 120 cm, 2015

You have a series of works "Palm Trees", not so long ago at one of the Kyiv galleries you presented a sculpture called "Paradise tree." Why the palm tree?

What about a palm tree? The palm tree is a Ukrainian national tree (He smiles. – the author). And look closely: palm trees are depicted on the frescoes in churches to show the paradise. And when I saw palm trees in the Crimea, I could not connect these two things to myself – remains of the Soviet Union times and paradise trees… In general, palm trees accompany me throughout my life, this is a very important symbol for me. And now, when we are at war, I understand that we still need to win these palms back, and we will do it in a couple of years, do not worry.

You have not left the country for a long time. But you are an artist, then where do new thoughts and inspiration come from, is it important?

In fact, the movement is important, and the movement must be continuous. Because modern art is the art of civilization meanings. Why did not I leave the county? Hmm … Because I am deeply in the Ukrainian context. I, for example, position myself as something exotic. It is clear that I am in the European context, but still, my art is, so to speak, with elements of embroidery.

"Do what you want boldly and brazenly, and then there will be a queue for you"

Winnie’s way. 2013. 300х300 cm

What is the "Silver Easel" contest from inside?

In order to earn a good reputation and turn a phenomenon into a powerful event, you have to do a lot of work! The Brovdi family succeeded in it. Now they hold "Silver Easel" in the most affordable format. Thus, I say "yes" to the contest! I gained wonderful impressions. I liked it more than I had hoped!

In general, I believe that in our country there is a very healthy competitive environment and reputation situation in general. And I'm sure why I'm here and why I mentioned Igor Abramovych and Robert and Nataliya Brovdi at the beginning. Abramovych is the person I work with, I trust his expertise, human contacts and his vision of prospects.

Having met and talked to Robert Brovdi, I see a serious strategy. In addition, the main thing is what kind of motivation a person has. And I really like the motivation of the Brovdi family!

One of the ideas of the contest foundation is the creation of a powerful platform for young talents. Is it successful?

Definitely! In general, such contests primarily create a precedent - the opportunity to appear somewhere together and do something together. Quite frankly, for me, this is a very serious experiment since I as an artist have never participated in such events. Thus, to declare yourself consciously at the contest is quite a difficult and brave thing, and combining art with an element of sports competition is also nervous … But in a stressful situation, new ideas and new meanings arise. Important in the contest is the dynamism of certain discussions with the new content opening.

Advice or wishes from Oleh Tistol!

The only wish I would make is one should understand that artists are the most important people on the planet! Advice – do not stand in the queue! Do what you want boldly and brazenly, and then there will be a queue for you. In Ukraine - the most democratic and anarchic country in the world- there is no chief, especially in the sphere of culture. So if you want to make a career, then you are your own boss, and you do it yourself. In no case, young artists, do not look for a gallery or curator, just do your job the way you want, and they'll all come together when you're the "boss"!

Speak to you is a great pleasure! Thank you for your visit to Uzhhorod, for the significant contribution to the "Silver Easel" and for the advice that we are sure will be taken by young artists!