Dobrynya Ivanov
Graphic series and two videos
Residence Sorry No Rooms Available
November 8, 2023, Double room, Hotel Intourist-Zakarpattia

Dobrynya Ivanov, a recognized artist in contemporary Ukrainian culture, appeared on the scene in 2009. He is known for his unique creative approach that develops non-linearly and in different directions. Ivanov has a lightness in gestures that can be perceived as arrogance, or romance is covered by brutality. His art focuses on the search for truth through found objects, fragments of stories and unique gestures.

One of his key works is Hope (2011), a site-specific installation created for the Space Odyssey exhibition. This work reflects the Soviet people’s perception of space as a great dream embodied through light, which symbolizes hope among Soviet furniture.

Ivanov also experiments with concepts of art history, as in the work “REM sleep” (2013), where he dialogues with Oleksandr Rodchenko, creating a response to his constructivist chair. His works often contain internal drama and examine historical and cultural contexts.

In 2013, Ivanov started a project in the genre of historical mockumentary “Autonomous Republic of Borshchagivka”, exploring the legal perspectives of separatist processes in Ukraine. This project was interrupted by the events of the Revolution of Dignity.

Ivanov also works with the concepts of personal and public, as in the work “Composite Presence” (2013), where he captures the interaction with the artist Katya Buchashka.

He is considered a romantic artist who can put deep meaning into simple objects or create huge installations that provoke thought and emotion. His works highlight the complexity and multifaceted nature of human experience and history, while remaining open to interpretation and reflection.

Photo credit Mykhailo Melnychenko

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Dobryna Ivanova’s residence was made possible thanks to the support of:
The beaux-arts Academy in Paris