The exhibition of the Ukrainian monumental artist and legend of Ukrainian avant-garde, OleksandrDubovik, titled «Dance of the Phantoms» opened as part of the visual program of the seventhBouquet Kyiv Stage 2024 festival.
Oleksandr Dubovik’s paintings and graphics take us to other dimensions, revealing new horizonsand worlds where reality intertwines with fantasy. The “Dance of the Phantoms” exhibition isnamed after the artist’s painting, in which his iconic “phantoms”—unique characters inhabiting theartist’s imaginative world—immerse themselves in a dance that echoes the rhythms of unknownworlds.
The theme of phantoms first appeared in Dubovik’s work in the late 1990s and has since become arecurring salient thematic element in many of his pieces. However, it was the full-scale invasion of2022 that the phantoms acquired special significance. During this period, they were seen not just asfictional beings but as extraterrestrial warriors of light, symbolizing the courage and bravery of theUkrainian people. Each could be seen as a unique symbol, recognizable and understandable toanyone who viewed them. Like in a video game where you can choose your hero, the paintingsallow everyone to find a phantom that resonates with their emotions and feelings.
This series of works is of special importance to Oleksandr Dubovik, as it was created underatrocious conditions, amidst the sounds of sirens and explosions. Each phantom, born from thechaos of the modern world, stands before us as our ancestor, protector, and a reflection of ouressence.
A new shade appears in the phantoms created over the past two years—a sense of vitality, a life-affirming character, and hope that grows through the darkness. They reflect the events around themand become symbols of resilience, indomitable spirit, and victory.
The exhibition will run for a month from August 16 to September 16 at the Khlibnya Gallery in theNational Sanctuary “Sophia of Kyiv”