Edward Potapenkov, born in 1968 in Ukraine, is a graduate of the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture. Between 1993 and 1996 he was a member of the "Kholodny VEL" art association and has been a permanent member of the artistic group "Squat on Olehivska." Since 1990, Edward has actively participated in numerous group and solo exhibitions both in Ukraine and internationally. His works are held in private collections in Ukraine, Poland, Great Britain, the Netherlands, the USA, China, and Singapore.

“With the help of art I strive to change myself. In my work, I try to raise current issues of globalization, ecology, the collision of the human personality and society, self-identification. In each work I bring my own reality, a separate story. Inviting the viewer to enter into a visual dialogue, I urge the viewer to decide whether this is a fake world or a real one.”

Edward is actively engaged in a number of collaborative projects, and his work incorporates elements of sculpture, installation art, video, and sound. He describes himself as being in a perpetual state of exploration, guided by his unwavering belief in both himself and the power of art.

Description provided by the artist: "The work was created in the first months of the war. It was a time of distressing and tragic news. When I painted this piece, I documented my perception of the struggle for survival and overcoming hardships and deprivations faced by the residents of Mariupol during the invasion of the Russian army. It portrays the movement from darkness to life and light."

Description provided by the artist: "The war in Ukraine has flooded the information space with overwhelming news, making it challenging to grasp. Artworks reflect this complexity, with layered plots and intertwined artifact-obstacles, giving rise to fresh meanings and images. There's a ritual involving purification and protection through fire and action, perhaps influenced by Slavic traditions. Lions symbolize guardianship and peace, while shipwrecks evoke a sense of mystery, like voodoo dolls"

Description provided by the artist: "The war in Ukraine has flooded the information space with overwhelming news, making it challenging to grasp. Artworks reflect this complexity, with layered plots and intertwined artifact-obstacles, giving rise to fresh meanings and images."

Description provided by the artist: "This painting is part of the 'Interference' series. Interference blend images of the much-desired 'Swan Lake' and palm trees as a symbol of happiness and relaxation, cherished by all Ukrainians."

Description provided by the artist: "The painting is multilayered. It depicts a transition from darkness to light. From violet as the color of death and rebirth to yellow - the color of prosperity, growth, and the sun. Sunflowers serve as symbols of resilience and the pursuit of life."

Description provided by the artist: "The work was created for the project "Triumph of Apathy." It depicts a scene with bathers against the backdrop of an aircraft carrier. For depoliticized citizens, life beyond the comfort zone is a theater of the absurd, sometimes resembling a farce. The fireworks of play and directorial discoveries transform our reality into a twisted clownery, and the existence of the world turns out to be more comical than tragic. "To change something beyond the walls of our world, even if there is a desire, there is still a lack of will." (Andriy Tryliskyy) The horror of this crumbling life, despite its enchanting charm, humor, and charming eccentricity of techniques, becomes all the more pronounced because at its center there is still a person who remembers oneself, the world, and God, he is no longer able to create but still able to pray for creative power. One of a series of works painted on camouflage fabric. The scene of relaxation and carefreeness combined with military technology immerses us in another reality."

Description provided by the artist: "The artwork was created for the 'Triumph of Apathy' project. Why not play volleyball with a regular anti-tank mine? It's part of a series of works painted on camouflage fabric. The scene of relaxation and carefreeness combined with military technology immerses us in another reality."

Description provided by the artist: "The work is about the clash of civilizations. Rabid dogs embody the Eastern horde, with its unrestrained and centuries-old ambition for enslavement and destruction."

Description provided by the artist: "The work was created for the 'Triumph of Apathy' project. Why not use tanks for obstacle course running? A sports scene combined with military equipment immerses us in another reality - a reality without death and violence."

Description provided by the artist: "The Earth awakens in spring, but the pain and destruction are brought by the eastern wind."

Description provided by the artist: "I imagined that instead of explosions and destruction, palm trees could grow. Unfortunately, it's just a dream."

Description provided by the artist: "Morning. Casual light. In the work. I used lyrics by John Lennon for the song 'Imagine.'"

Ruzzkiĭ suvenir

Description provided by the artist: "With the onset of Russia's military aggression against Ukraine, trust in the remnants of cultural heritage and empire fetishes has collapsed. Once endearing, familiar symbols from childhood have now lost their charm completely. Currently, it's a war of civilizations, a clash between two cultures and worldviews."