Alex Garikovich is a contemporary artist who works with various art techniques, from traditional painting to video art. He has become a prizewinner and finalist of many international awards (Kandinsky Prize, Eidos Award etc.), participated in an enormous number of exhibitions (European Biennale Manifesta 10, V Biennale of contemporary art etc.).
Alex’s artworks explore severe social themes and problems of states that are close and familiar to him, Russia, where he was born, and Ukraine, where since 2004, he has often worked, and actively participated in various art events.
In March 2022, immediately after the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Alex moved to Georgia, Tbilisi.
In February 2023, Alex presented his new exhibition, "Eternal February", at the conceptual UGallery in Tbilisi. The show partnered with three foundations dedicated to helping refugees from Ukraine, Abkhazia, and the Tskhinvali region: "Choose to Help!," Motskhaleba Foundation, and Library About Georgia. The show attracted hundreds of visitors during its run and garnered significant attention in the press. In October 2023 Alex presented a new exhibition "Knot", exploring the changes taking place with a person in a society that is gradually moving from democracy to totalitarianism.
Alex’s current new project, which he is currently working on, is called Heron Killer is Alive.
Alex’s artworks explore severe social themes and problems of states that are close and familiar to him, Russia, where he was born, and Ukraine, where since 2004, he has often worked, and actively participated in various art events.
In March 2022, immediately after the start of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, Alex moved to Georgia, Tbilisi.
In February 2023, Alex presented his new exhibition, "Eternal February", at the conceptual UGallery in Tbilisi. The show partnered with three foundations dedicated to helping refugees from Ukraine, Abkhazia, and the Tskhinvali region: "Choose to Help!," Motskhaleba Foundation, and Library About Georgia. The show attracted hundreds of visitors during its run and garnered significant attention in the press. In October 2023 Alex presented a new exhibition "Knot", exploring the changes taking place with a person in a society that is gradually moving from democracy to totalitarianism.
Alex’s current new project, which he is currently working on, is called Heron Killer is Alive.
ART
My recent painting project aims to explore the depths of societal struggles. Originating from a nation under the rule of a dictator and witnessing my children’s country lose half of its population due to war, my practice is fueled by the desire to shed light on the deeper layers of human behavior and make sense of the circumstances that have led my countries to the present.
The latest exhibition of mine is a dedicated exploration of the term "Internal Emigration." This phenomenon encapsulates the process where an individual, residing within the confines of a totalitarian state, withholds support for the ruling government. The looming fear of repression, however, deters active participation in political and public affairs, resulting in a gradual spiritual detachment and a pause in personal development.
My work aims to understand the profound impact of propaganda and the fear of repression on an individual’s psyche. I am interested in grasping exactly what makes a person compromise with themselves and whether an individual can remain free while in a totalitarian society.
The latest exhibition of mine is a dedicated exploration of the term "Internal Emigration." This phenomenon encapsulates the process where an individual, residing within the confines of a totalitarian state, withholds support for the ruling government. The looming fear of repression, however, deters active participation in political and public affairs, resulting in a gradual spiritual detachment and a pause in personal development.
My work aims to understand the profound impact of propaganda and the fear of repression on an individual’s psyche. I am interested in grasping exactly what makes a person compromise with themselves and whether an individual can remain free while in a totalitarian society.
Idol , 2022
Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 40 cm
Idol , 2022
Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 40 cm
Idol , 2022
Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 90 cm
Trauma Zone, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas, 100 x 90 cm
Seven paintings in the series “Coat of Arms” have a common theme. Each painting represents a national symbol made up of rifles engraved on the surface of a medieval shield. The series illustrates the primitive and carnal nature of human development which is intervened with aggressive politics of the countries engaged in weapon’s production.
For example, an assembly of Kalashnikov rifles attempts to form a figure of the Russian national symbol: Double-headed eagle. Similarly, weapons are prominently featured as the national symbols of the USA, Ukraine, UK, Israel, France and Germany.
«Coat of Arms» series is made in bright colors with well known ornamental patterns. Patterns that entered our lives so profoundly that we perceive them as a background to our daily lives or as a decorative representation of life. It is scary that aggression becomes an integral part of life.
Coat of Arms
American coat of arms, 2014
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
British coat of arms, 2014
French coat of arms, 2014
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
German coat of arms
Acrylic, Canvas
80 x 60 cm
80 x 60 cm
Israeli coat of arms
Russian coat of arms
Acrylic, Canvas
80 x 60 cm
80 x 60 cm
Acrylic, Canvas
80 x 60 cm
80 x 60 cm
Ukrainian coat of arms
Acrylic, Canvas
80 x 60 cm
80 x 60 cm
American coat of arms, 2014
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
British coat of arms, 2014
French coat of arms, 2014
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
German coat of arms
Acrylic, Canvas
80 x 60 cm
80 x 60 cm
Israeli coat of arms
Russian coat of arms
Acrylic, Canvas
80 x 60 cm
80 x 60 cm
Acrylic, Canvas
80 x 60 cm
80 x 60 cm
Ukrainian coat of arms
Acrylic, Canvas
80 x 60 cm
80 x 60 cm
The series "Hostage" demonstrates how a society trapped in gender misconceptions locks individuals within societal stereotypes. The old airplane models symbolize outdated and obsolete notions. While one part of the planet embraces progress and equality, hoping to abandon stereotypes, in another part, only ideas that prioritize one gender over another flourish.
Hostage
Hostage 1, 2022
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
Hostage 2, 2022
Hostage 3, 2022
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
Hostage 4, 2008
Acrylic on canvas, 100 x 120 cm
Hostage 1, 2022
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
Hostage 2, 2022
Hostage 3, 2022
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 60 cm
Hostage 4, 2008
Acrylic on canvas, 100 x 120 cm
Censorship, 2012
Acrylic on paperboard, 90 x 120 cm
Seeds, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas, 70 x 80 cm
Creating of the world, 2023
Acrylic on Canvas, 60 x 80 cm
Social Media, 2023
Acrylic on canvas, metal, plastic, 70 x 50 cm
The War, 2023
Videoart
The Fighter, 2014
Acrylic on canvas, 90 x 60 cm
A trail of cocaine on the compass needle, 2019
Acrylic on canvas, 120 x 90 cm
Mr. President, 2006
Acrylic on canvas, 70 x 90 cm
My bread, 2007
Acrylic on canvas, 70 x 90 cm
Homeland, 2008
Acrylic on canvas, 90 x 90 cm
Peace Talks 2022
Acrylic on canvas, 90 x 120 cm
Social Protection, 2008
Acrylic on paper, 60 x 40 cm
Career Growth, 2007
Acrylic on canvas, 120 x 90 cm
Mentality, 2002
Oil on canvas, 75 x 55 cm
A General, 2004
Acrylic on canvas, 80 x 70 cm
The revolution dismantled for souvenirs, 2017
Acrylic on canvas, 60 x 80 cm
Song of the Motherland, 2011
Acrylic on paperboard, 50 x 40 cm
Song of the Motherland, 2011
Acrylic on paperboard, 50 x 40 cm
Graphics
A Theory of Violence, 2009
Ink on paper, 60 x 60 cm
Referendum, 2022
Ink on paper, 60 x 40 cm
Propaganda, 2022
Ink on paper, 60 x 40 cm
The Eternal February, 2022
Ink on paper, 30 x 40 cm
God Forbid you get a soldier’s face, 2014
Ink on paper, 40 x 30 cm
Ukraine, 2014
Ink on paper, 40 x 30 cm
Lawlessness, 2021
Ink on paper, 20 x 30 cm
Petersburg, 2009
Ink on paper, 60 x 40 cm
Escape, 2009
Ink on paper, 60 x 40 cm
Luzhin’s Defense, 2002
Ink on paper, 15 x 20 cm
Seven paintings in the series “Coat of Arms” have a common theme. Each painting represents a national symbol made up of rifles engraved on the surface of a medieval shield. The series illustrates the primitive and carnal nature of human development which is intervened with aggressive politics of the countries engaged in weapon’s production.
For example, an assembly of Kalashnikov rifles attempts to form a figure of the Russian national symbol: Double-headed eagle. Similarly, weapons are prominently featured as the national symbols of the USA, Ukraine, UK, Israel, France and Germany.
«Coat of Arms» series is made in bright colors with well known ornamental patterns. Patterns that entered our lives so profoundly that we perceive them as a background to our daily lives or as a decorative representation of life. It is scary that aggression becomes an integral part of life.
the war
The War #3, 2022
Digital
The War #2, 2022
The War #1, 2022
Digital
Digital
The War #3, 2022
Digital
The War #2, 2022
The War #1, 2022
Digital
Digital
Objects
Stew, 2009-2013
Mixed media: Wood, Furskin, Glass, 50 x 40 cm
Stew, 2009-2013
Mixed media: Wood, Furskin, Glass, 50 x 40 cm
Save The White Dolphin, 2012
Gypsum, 130x40x30 cm
Bayan, 2009
Mixed media: Wood, Paper, Acrylic, Chamotte
Why him? 2009
Ceramoplastic, Acrylic, Metall
Why me? 2009
Mixed media: Ceramoplastic, Acrylic, Metal, 60 x40 cm
Why me? 2009
Mixed media: Ceramoplastic, Acrylic, Plastic, 60 x 40 cm
Why me? 2009
Mixed media: Ceramoplastic, Acrylic, 60 x 40 cm
Alex's project “Artist's Self-defense” consists of three parts -a series of 6 works in mixed technique, a photo comic, and a graphic manual. It is more a manifesto than an art project. The state is trying to violate the artist's personal space, intervening in the artistic statement and forcing him/her to act as a propagandist, culturing the authorities' demands. But the true artist cannot play under these rules and chooses to speak the truth. Because of that, the artist needs internal protection to assert his boundaries and become free. “Artist's Self-defense” gives possible instructions on how to protect themselves with brushes and paints.
Artist's Self-defense
Artist's Self-Defense, 2007
Mixed media: Wood, Plastic, Metal, Mirror, rubber, 40 х 30 cm
Mixed media: Wood, Plastic, Metal, Mirror, rubber, 40 х 30 cm
Artist's Self-Defense, 2007
Photography
Photography
Artist's Self-Defense, 2007
Mixed media: Wood, Plastic, Metal, Mirror, rubber, 40 х 30 cm
Mixed media: Wood, Plastic, Metal, Mirror, rubber, 40 х 30 cm
Artist's Self-Defense, 2007
Photography
Photography
Outdoor
art
Monument to a Courier erected in Moscow 2020
Moscow, Kholodilniy Lane, 3/8
Monument was the object of the significant international media coverage (Reuters, etc)
Reading room erected at VDNH
Russia’s State Exhibit Park in August of 2021
Sketch of the monument to Nemtsov
Pending installation; postponed due to government ban
infomation
Exhibitions
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2007-2023
- III Biennale of contemporary art. Special project “Dormitory District”
- Since 2010 took part in exhibitions supporting political prisoners
- Exhibition "Infrastructure" Moscow
- Organizer and curator of the independent festival "Hey, dude! Go! Here!" Moscow
- Exhibition "Dormitory District - Stop “ The School" Moscow
- Exhibition in support of political prisoner Sergei Mokhnatkin at the Sakharov Museum and Public Center
- Exhibition in Support of Political Prisoner and Organizer of Mayakovsky Readings Matvei Krylov, Zverev Center, Moscow
- LOOKING EASTWARD, Residence Foundation "Benetton", Treviso, Italy
- 4th Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art
- Found «It’s not here» (Eto ne zdes’) art space;
- Found «The Window leaf exhibitions» (collaboration with artists Andrey Mitenev and Sergey Prokofiev) article
- Protest against Putin "Plenary "White Canvases", Moscow )
- Took part in "Occupy Abay" manifestations and made project to support the Pussy Riot - "The Icon"
- Street exhibition “Nomadic museum of contemporary artist”
- Group Exhibition “La valigia del Signor Luciano. La collezione dei quadri e i viaggi di Luciano Benetton”, Casabella laboratorio, Milan, Italy
- «Eleven Three» Arts Chronicles curator and artist
- 5th Moscow Biennale of Contemporary Art. Main program. Manezh Museum Moscow
- Project “Almaty: The city as a canvas”
- Group Exhibition “La valigia del Signor Luciano. La collezione dei quadri e i viaggi di Luciano Benetton”, Fondazione Benetton Studi Ricerche, Treviso, Italy
- Manifest 10, «Calm light» project
- Exhibition of the parallel program of the IV Moscow Biennale. Project "Coat of arms”. A series of six paintings.
- Festival of Kasparov's opposition coalition "KULTURUS
- Group Exhibition “Imago Mundi, The Art of Humanity”, part of Dak’Art Off
- 11th edition of the Biennale of Contemporary African Art, Dakar, Senegal
- Exhibition “Makhorka” Gallery A3
- Group Exhibition “Under One Sky”, tour exhibition in China
- Exhibition-auction for the fund "Emigration for Action". Curator and artist.
- Group Exhibition “Parallel 42”, COD/ The Center for Openness and Dialogue”, Tirana, Albania.
- Monument to a Courier erected in Moscow 2020
- The 6th festival of street art "Empty, project "Tablet"
- «Champ de Mars», Gallery «M'ARS», Moscow
- "Kandinsky Prize”, Winzavod Art Space, Moscow
- “ADAPTATION”, Gallery «M'ARS», Moscow
- "Memorial" competition for the design of the Yeltsin monument, ART4.RU Museum of Contemporary Art, Moscow.
- Kandinsky Prize nominee exhibition, Palazzo Italia. Germany, Berlin
- Exhibition of Kandinsky Prize nominees, Latvian Railway History Museum. Latvia, Riga
- Exhibition "Ecology of perception 2"
- Solo Exhibition "Esqape", Antwerp, Belgium.
- "ARTLooK", Bookafe, Moscow
2007
2008
2009
2010
2011
2012
2013
2014
2017
2016-2018
2022
2021
2020
- Personal Exhibition «Eternal February» UGallery, Tbilisi.
- Group Exhibition with «Hostage» painting. CICA Museum, Ceul, Korea
- Vogue | 6th Edition, Boomer Gallery. London, UK
- Personal exhibition “Knot” Ugallery, Tbilisi
2023
2024
- INTERCONTINENTAL BIENAL, Argentina
- Personal exhibition “Heron Killer is Alive” Ugallery, Tbilisi
Achievements
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8
- Tretyakov Prize Finalist (Tretyakov Gallery)
- Kandinsky Prize Finalist (Young Artist of the Year)
- Eidos Prize Winner (Bereznitskaya Foundation, Ukraine)
2007
- Kandinsky Prize Nominee (Media Art Project of the Year, Young Artist of the Year)
2009
- The work «Song of the Motherland» is part of the Imago Mundi collection promoted by Luciano Benethon
- Nominee for the Kuryokhin Prize
2011
- Part of the Garage museum archive
2020
- 2012 Kandinsky Prize Nominee (Media Art Project of the Year) with the collective project "White Canvas”
2012
Media Publication
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7
MONUMENT TO A COURIER ERECTED ON MOSCOW (2020) – “Designed by artist Alexei Garikovich, it is around three metres tall and features the form of a standing man hollowed out from a thick sheet of rusting metal. Its inscription reads: “Dedicated to those who made self-isolation possible.
“I watched as the Putin regime turned stillborn ideas into a new ideology,' explained Garikovich, who was born in Moscow. 'I want to expose the nature of Putin's evil and its manipulative mechanisms. My hope is it will open someone's eyes.
THE WINDOW LEAF EXHIBITION AND “IT’S NOT HERE” ART SPACE (2014) – an exhibition space and an independent space freed from censorship and criticism.
«"Ignorance and narrow—mindedness are the source of fear and hatred." Meet the anti-war artist Alexey Garikovich»
COAT OF ARMS (2014) – A series of seven paintings. Each painting represents a national symbol made up of rifles engraved on the surface of a medieval shield. The series illustrates the primitive and carnal nature of human development which is intervened with aggressive politics of the countries engaged in weapon’s production.
«"I don't see it as a duty to weave war into my art," explains Garikovich. "But I worry about everyone who stays in Russia, about political prisoners and colleagues. And about the Ukrainians. I want to translate this pain into pictures.“ The theme of his exhibition is internal emigration. »