FEROS (Serhii Hrekh, b.1992, Ukraine) is a highly regarded contemporary artist from Lviv, Ukraine. His formative years in Lviv, a city with a rich cultural and architectural history, have greatly influenced his initial foray into street art and graffiti.
In the early stages of his career, Feros utilized the cityscape of Lviv as his canvas, creating graffiti works that were characterized by their bold use of color and shape. His style was distinctive, raw, and resonated with a spirit of rebellion, earning him recognition within the local art scene and beyond. His murals adorn walls in Ukraine and other countries, turning ordinary spaces into vibrant displays of complex narratives. Each mural tells a story, often reflecting artist’s personal experiences or commentary on societal issues. While physically confined, his smaller works are equally impactful, demonstrating his ability to create compelling art regardless of scale.
As Feros continued to mature artistically, he began to explore different art forms. He transitioned from the unrefined graffiti expressions to the more complex realms of abstraction and figurative surrealism. This evolution was not sudden but rather a gradual transformation that mirrored changes in his personal life and his broadening understanding of his artistic persona.
The underlying theme of Serhii’s figurative works is their distinctive surrealistic approach. He constructs alternate realities where familiar forms are distorted and reimagined, offering viewers a unique perspective on the world. This blend of surrealism, personal narrative, and technical skill distinctively sets his work apart in the contemporary art landscape.
Over the past four years, Feros’s work has undeniably evolved. His pieces often feature elements reminiscent of his graffiti roots. Still, they are now enhanced with a level of sophistication and complexity that is a testament to his growth as an artist. His use of color has become more intentional, with each shade meticulously chosen to evoke specific emotions and narratives. His work mirrors his personal experiences and background and presents a powerful commentary on society, culture, and the human condition.
Feros (Serhii Hrekh) was the subject of solo exhibitions, including Conspiracy Theories at both Art Axcess Gallery, Online, and Dzyga Art Space, Lviv (2024), and Volta Art Fair New York with Art Axcess Gallery (2024). Other recent solo exhibitions include Escape from Reality at Art Axcess Gallery, West Hollywood (2023). Group exhibitions include The Same Words, Lavra Gallery, Kyiv (2023); Passage through Darkness, Lucreate, Lublin, Poland (2023); and Stronger Than Arms, BSMT Gallery, London (2022). His work has also been showcased at Intelias Art Point, Lviv (Crossroads of Consciousness, 2021); Unmute Gallery, Budapest (Something Inside, 2021); and Atelierdeluxe, Lviv (Black and White, 2020).
Earlier exhibitions include Reaction at Assortment Room, Ivano-Frankivsk (2018); Utopia: Transformation of the Ukrainian East, IZONE, Kyiv (2018); and UK/raine at Saatchi Gallery, London (2015). His works are part of private and institutional collections internationally. Feros lives and works in Lviv, Ukraine.