Art Axcess Gallery, in partnership with the SLS Hotel Beverly Hills, exhibits a group show “Shadows of Us”, starting February 24, 2024
Art Axcess Gallery is honored to announce “Shadows of Us,” a powerful and timely group exhibition, opening during Frieze Los Angeles Art Week. Curated by Lia Snisarenko, it showcases the works of emerging Ukrainian female artists Inna Kharchuk, Anna Veriki, Iryna Maksymova, and Liza Zhdanova. The start of the show on February 24, 2024, coincides with the second anniversary of the full-scale Russian military invasion of Ukraine. In the context of conflict, this exhibition explores both individual and shared experiences, offering insights into the country’s path of enduring hardship and resilience.
The show was recently featured at The Art Newspaper. Read the article here.
Inna Kharchuk, Florescence, 2024. Acrylic and oil on canvas, 47 x 31 in (120 x 80 cm)
The artists explore themes deeply rooted in history and nostalgia, engaging with the past not just as a memory but as a vital part of their present narrative. The artworks embody a response to recent hardships, offering a visual dialogue that bridges the gap between Ukraine’s turbulent history and its contemporary reality. These pieces resonate with the collective memory of a nation, echoing the sentiments of loss, strength, and enduring hope.
Liza Zhdanova, Flowers, 2024. Acrylic on canvas, 78 x 55 in (200 x 140 cm)
In the face of economic challenges, the artists express a compelling inclination toward personal indulgences. Their works celebrate life’s simple joys and pleasures, showcasing the human spirit’s unyielding capacity for finding beauty and solace amidst adversity. This theme underscores the importance of personal joy and self-expression in challenging times, offering a counterpoint to the narrative of struggle.
Iryna Maksymova, Caring for Each Other, 2022. Acrylic pastels spray markers on canvas, 53 1/8 x 59 7/8 in (135 x 152 cm)
Inna Kharchuk’s pieces resonate with the powerful motif of motherhood, portraying the complex yet joyful task of raising children in extraordinary circumstances, underscoring the role of women as both nurturers and pillars of hope.
Inna Kharchuk, Dependence 1, 2023. Acrylic and oil on canvas, 79 x 47 in (200 x 120 cm)
Inna Kharchuk, Dependence 2, 2023. Acrylic and oil on canvas, 79 x 47 in (200 x 120 cm)
Anna Veriki’s paintings explore the longing for freedom and the dynamic shifts of a society striving for peace and sovereignty.
Anna Veriki, My Freedom, 2023. Oil on canvas, 78 x 50 in (200 x 125 cm)
Liza Zhdanova confronts the stark realities of war, offering a contemplative space for viewers to engage with the intricate fabric of conflict and its lasting effects on the human spirit.
Liza Zhdanova, Flowers, 2023. Acrylic on canvas, 78 x 60 in (200 x 150 cm)
Meanwhile, Iryna Maksymova’s works are a testament to authenticity and individuality, unearthing the layers of self through personal stories and emotions.
Iryna Maksymova, The Game, 2022. Acrylic pastels spray markers on canvas, 27 1/2 x 38 5/8 in (70 x 98 cm)
Moreover, “Shadows of Us” addresses the theme of generational trauma, exploring the long-term effects of conflict and upheaval on individuals and communities. The artists’ works are poignant narratives that weave together the past and present, shedding light on how historical events shape the experiences of future generations.
Anna Veriki, The Dog Does Not Fly But Has Wings, 2023. Oil on canvas, 60 x 82 in (150 x 210 cm)
“Shadows of Us” offers a powerful and deeply human perspective on contemporary life and art in Ukraine. It invites viewers to engage with the narratives of resilience, transformation, and the indomitable human spirit, as expressed through the unique voices of these talented Ukrainian artists.
Inna Kharchuk, Levada/Home, 2024. Acrylic oil and pastel on canvas, 53 x 20 in (135 x 60 cm)
Liza Zhdanova, No name, 2022. Acrylic on canvas, 13 1/2 x 13 1/2 in (35 x 35 cm)
Liza Zhdanova, No name, 2020. Acrylic on canvas, 78 x 60 in (200 x 150 cm)
“Shadows of Us”
February 24 – March 25, 2024
SLS Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Beverly Hills, 465 La Cienega Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048
Cocktail reception: February 29, 5-7 PM
March 26 – April 14, 2024
Art Axcess Gallery, West Hollywood, 90046
By appointment only, RSVP to info@artaxcess.com
