Art Axcess Gallery is delighted to introduce "Escape from Reality," a solo exhibition by the Ukrainian artist Feros. Born in 1992, Feros has carved a niche for himself in the global contemporary art scene with his compelling and thought-provoking works that push the boundaries of reality. “Escape from Reality” is a haunting embodiment of the trauma, resilience, and depth of emotions experienced during the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
The show's title encapsulates a feeling that many across the world can resonate with – the yearning to detach oneself from the harsh realities and retreat into a world of dreams, even momentarily.
Feros' artistic prowess lies in his ability to skillfully intertwine elements of abstraction and representation. His work challenges viewers to question their perceptions and invites them to explore new dimensions of understanding. The exhibition showcases ten of Feros' artworks, all created between 2022 - 2023. The very title of the show encapsulates a feeling that many, not just in Ukraine but across the world, can resonate with – the yearning to detach oneself from the harsh realities and retreat into a world of dreams, even if momentarily.
The vivid imagery of the painting serves as a silent narrative of the war-torn nation's experience. It stands as a testament to the artist's struggles with internalizing the events unfolding around him. The surreal elements scattered throughout the canvas reUect the "paradoxical reality" the artist mentions. Feros actually wanted to avoid directly referencing war in his work initially. Instead, he expressed his emotions through symbols and storytelling. You can see the surreal elements in his painting, depicting war's unpredictability and absurdity. These elements distort our sense of what's considered 'normal'. Feros uses metaphors and imagery that really connect with viewers, allowing for personal interpretations.
"Escape from Reality" depicts the existential crisis caused by war. It encapsulates the conflict's chaos and profound emotional impact, using symbols like a broken plate for lost peace and a horse for resilience. The teetering house illustrates vulnerability, while the dragonflyy suggests hope. Everyday objects disrupted by a plane signify war's intrusion into life. The glowing loop represents a quest for light in dark times. This piece eloquently champions endurance and peace.
"Atlas" explores societal pressures and individual responsibility, drawing inspiration from the titan Atlas. The artwork symbolizes modern struggles with identity, tradition, and societal burdens. The mask on the Wgure represents the tension between societal expectations and true self. Juxtaposed elements hint at migration and cultural blend. Feros's work reminds us of human resilience and the balance between authenticity and societal demands.
"The Dog" echoes Feros' previous work, "Atlas." It explores identity and circumstance through a collage of random elements mirroring our surroundings. The artwork depicts our individuality as a beast, symbolizing innate strength and primal instincts. It shows how birthplaces and circumstances impact the trajectory of life. "The Dog" is an introspective journey into existence, emphasizing how environments shape us. It encapsulates the interplay between randomness, environment, and growth.
"Walk During the Eclipse" is an exploration of the depths of darkness and the strength of resilience amidst overwhelming chaos. Created in 2022, this artwork is a testament to the year that witnessed the tumultuous Russian invasion in Ukraine. Part of the "Passage through Darkness" series, it frames a narrative of survival and hope against a backdrop of despair.
"Dawn afer the Eclipse" explores internal struggle. The title suggests transition and change. The central Wgure, burdened by an airplane, represents resilience. The house on a rock symbolizes stability in turbulent times. The narrative shi]s from a rugged landscape to an open door with serene waters Uowing in, representing opportunity. The painting prompts introspection and understanding of the human condition.
"Awakening" embodies resilience and personal evolution. Created during a war, it chronicles the artist's journey from a state of shock to an essential need for artistic expression. The painting's focal point is a Wgure embodying the human inner world, crowned with a Uower as a symbol of hope and assurance. This piece, conceived amidst chaos, served as a stabilizing force for the artist, encapsulating his transition from passive observer to active participant in his artistic practice.
"House Under the Palm Tree #5" tells a story that, palm trees have been used as symbols of peace, victory, and eternal life. Their prominence in a scene may suggest a longing for tranquility amidst chaos. However, palms are also associated with tropical destinations and, in a more modern context, with vacation and escapism. This duality raises the question - is the scene one of peace or simply a means of escaping from a harsher reality?
"Crooked Mirror," with its dream-like scene, blends vivid hues and abstract shapes, creating an uncanny ambiance. The Wgure's reUection, or perhaps their alter-ego, appears on the mirrored surface. This 'mirror' is not a perfect reUection but a distorted view. It can be seen as a commentary on the complexities of self- perception and the myriad ways we perceive and represent ourselves. "Crooked Mirror" challenges our perception of self and blurs the lines between reality and illusion.
With "Interaction," Feros keeps pushing the boundaries of surrealism. The ordinary and the whimsical collide, making us question how we connect and interact in our own realities.
This painting is a gentle reminder that exploring the abstract can give us a fresh perspective on the world around us. Sometimes, stepping away from the known is totally worth it.
"Chairs for Friends" is an intimate portrayal of the spaces we inhabit and the connections we cherish. Feros encapsulates the beauty of human connection and the spaces we create for those we cherish. In a world where reality can o]en feel isolating, this piece reminds us of the importance of reaching out, of making room, and of the simple joy that comes from spending time with a friend.
