"Silver Easel" – the opportunity to reveal the artistic individuality at a young age

30

August

2017

A bright, creative and unique contest of young talents "Silver Easel" for a year of its existence became a powerful artistic event in the cultural life of Ukraine. Confidently, it acquires the status with which it was actually created – a platform for starting of young talents, for supporting and developing of art. "Silver Easel" is discussed by famous Ukrainian artists, art critics give favourable feedbacks about it.

Anatolii Kryvolap, deputy President of the Jury, internationally recognized Ukrainian artist, the laureate of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine:“The main goal of the contest is to reveal that inner signal in the young artists that they want to offer the world as artists. Each of them has something special that determines his/her individuality. And, this contest is that litmus paper that discovers it. “Silver Easel” gives an opportunity to reveal the artistic individuality during their youth, so that the artists progress and become personalities in art. Undoubtedly, “Silver Easel” has the right for a long life. This is a serious project, which is necessary for the artistic Ukraine”.

Tiberiy Szilvashi, deputy President of the Jury, internationally recognized Ukrainian artist, curator of art projects, corresponding member of National Academy of Arts of Ukraine:“Silver Easel” is a great opportunity for students all over Ukraine to test themselves once again. As to the organization of the contest, it is necessary to emphasize that everything is done at a high level, very high quality. For me it was important to look at the methodology itself, compare schools, the level of participants’ training. It was difficult to choose among the works, many of which are at the same level of performance and style. The contest is very necessary for young artists, for educational institutions, and it seems to be the most important thing for me. I think that “Silver Easel” definitely needs to be continued.”

Igor Abramovych, an adviser to the director of the Modern Art Research Institute under National Academy of Arts of Ukraine. An art dealer, curator, art critic: “The contest is important not only for young artists, but also for the whole art Ukraine. Undoubtedly, not only money and forces were invested in this contest, but, most importantly, the soul. In the works of the contestants, I saw freedom, courage, and a special technique of execution. I would like to wish them to be freer and to improvise more. “Silver Easel” has already spoken about a lot, and then, I think, people will talk even more. In the future, the contest has every possibility to enter the European space. I will be happy to come again to such an event. This is very interesting; I have rethought a lot. Even now I think what prize I can prepare for the future contest...”

Vladyslav Habda, Jury Member, a painter, honoured Artist of Ukraine: “The circle of invited people is very important, after all the well-known artists visit it. Students were provided with excellent conditions and they were inspired to create. Transcarpathia is a region where painting occupies a special place. Here you cannot be slapdash with painting – and the contestants got the idea! Art is such a thing that you can talk for a long time and say nothing, but you can paint a picture and say everything by it. Such opportunity, no matter who wins, is now given to these young people. The ability to show yourself, compare and criticize yourself. And, this is the most important thing.”

Max and Julia Voloshyn, the founders of the gallery of contemporary art Voloshyn Gallery: “There are a lot of talks about “Silver Easel”, Julia and I believe that this contest – great and very sound initiative of Robert and Nataliya Brovdi. Especially, it concerns the support of creative youth. After all, the young artist as a young tree that you planted. It needs to be looked after. When it grows and becomes powerful, it will be already a self-sufficient artist. To be a partner of such a contest is a great honour for us. We are glad that there are a lot of talented young people who are good at painting. All the tasks “Landscape”, “Portrait”, and “Improvisation” – at a very presentable level. In the works of the contestants we saw mastery, creativity, non-standard thinking, and interesting colour filling. We believe that “Silver Easel” will be a big step forward in the creative meaning for all contestants.”

Halyna Skliarenko, Jury Member, Ph.D. in History of Arts, art critic, curator: “Silver Easel” expands the cultural and art space of Ukraine and supports the artists. It adds confidence to the artists: prizes, awards, the opportunity to come to Uzhhorod, get acquainted with famous artists, gallery owners, and young artists like them. After all, a new generation of artists came to the contest – they make the future. “Silver Easel” gives them a push to feel themselves in the creative circle. And, thanks to it they are able to give good results. Most of all, I was attracted by the works where I felt self-sufficiency, originality, and freedom. In general, it is worth saying that the organization of the event is at the excellent level. This is the second “Silver Easel” and I'm sure that the third will be even better.”