"Native Colors 4.5.0" - A Solo Exhibition by Arthur Stanislavovych Novikov
love Ukraine like the sun, the wind, and the grasses, and the waters... In moments of happiness and in moments of joy, Love it in moments of adversity.
These words of the eminent son of Donbas, Volodymyr Sosiura, written during World War II in 1944, aptly illustrate the artistic work of Arthur Stanislavovych Novikov, another son of the Donbas steppes. Born on December 26, 1984, in the industrial city of Kramatorsk, Arthur's passion for art and beauty led him to an art school in his childhood, and in 2000, he graduated from the Art Department of School of Arts No. 3.
In 2005, he completed his studies at the Donetsk Art School, majoring in "Studio Painting," earning the qualification of "Artist-Performer and Teacher of Fine Arts." In 2009, he pursued a master's degree at Yuri Bugai International University.
Fate once again brought him back to the School of Arts No. 3 in his hometown, this time as a teacher in the Fine Arts Department. Arthur's students have achieved numerous awards in national and international competitions and festivals, and joint exhibitions of the teacher and students have been organized. Graduates of his classes are already receiving higher art education in the country's universities.
Arthur Stanislavovych has always had a strong civic stance, evident in both his works and actions. On February 24, 2022, when we all woke up to explosions and realized the worst had happened—a full-scale war had begun—he officially joined the ranks of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Today, he continues to defend our country against the enemy.
The poet Volodymyr Sosiura sang about his love for the homeland, for his native land, through poetic lines and prose—through WORDS; Arthur Stanislavovych does it with a PALETTE, with COLORS... The streets of his hometown, industrial landscapes, steppes, forests, seas; flowers, people: both close and unfamiliar... In the rush of everyday life at the speed of modern times, we sometimes fail to notice the beauty that surrounds us. War vividly highlighted and exposed the transience and fragility of our ordinary world.
During war, there is little room for art, as other needs take precedence. However, the desire for creativity finds its outlet even in such challenging circumstances. If there are no canvases, there are walls... and they can also be painted on.
And then there is a flag... In the military, volunteers, and even in ordinary citizens living near the frontlines, the perception of the flag is slightly different. The flag represents a piece of, a symbol of the Motherland!!! A flag with an original drawing is the most precious, the most valuable gift from the frontline...
The exhibition "Native Colors 4.5.0" showcases paintings from peacetime and collages from the time of war. The abbreviation with numbers in military slang means "ALL IS CALM." So, "Native Colors - Continue to Blossom and Bring Joy to People. All is calm. You are under protection."
