Oleg Kulik's Exhibition opening

On June 28 GUM-Red-Line Gallery on Red Square hosted the premiere of a series of new artworks by Oleg Kulik, one of the most famous Russian contemporary artists. The series is inspired by the topical theme of neuron networks.

“A lack of responsibility is a highly individualized, deeply personal choice”, — notes Oleg Kulik. — “It is irresponsible art because there is no future goal that these artworks have to achieve: each painting is a complete statement on its own.” “This is Kulik 5.0”, — emphasizes curator Mikhail Sidlin. — “Kulik 1.0 was a sculptor, 2.0 — a performance artist, 3.0 — a photographer, 4.0 — an opera director, and, finally, 5.0 is a painter.”

Seventeen monumental paintings and three sculptures are on display. All pieces reflect the artist’s fascination with fast-paced work involving traditional materials. Quick clay molding and a broad brushstroke fully attest that Oleg Kulik sees speed as a necessary quality of a contemporary artist.

Neuron networks form a visual symbol of 2019. The pictures that have been created by passing the original photos through digital programs have not received a literal adaptation when they were painted on canvas by Oleg Kulik. Each piece discards the individuality of the original photo and underlines the importance of collective unconsciousness. The resulting images of political leaders and masses of people seem to be a message from the noosphere that is being presented at the Gallery near the Kremlin. Oleg Kulik acts as a prophet of the Russian soul. The exhibition is open till August 1, 2019.

Oleg Kulik:
– Nowadays, hybrid reality has wholly enveloped us and has reached grotesque proportions. It is difficult to say what is essential and what is not, why the background information with its diverse highlights turns out to be more important than the main message, or why the central message falls apart into separate pieces and is relegated to the background.

Vasily Tsereteli:
– I am overjoyed by the second exhibition hosted by GUM-Red-Line Gallery. The Bosco project allows us to learn about contemporary art. Oleg Kulik’s works proved to be revelatory for me personally. The exhibition is excellently presented, and I do hope that as many people as possible come to see it.