“The most influential” does not mean “the most worthy”

Dmytro Erlikh, a 25-year-old artist from Odesa, first presented his series “New Dream,” based on the traditional Ukrainian story of Cossack Mamai, in July as part of Forbes Ukraine’s art project “New Ukrainian Dream,” which was held at the Mystetsky Arsenal. The paintings were created by combining the techniques of painting and collage.

“The idea for this series appeared spontaneously,” Erlikh told The Day. “I was thinking about how you can show the Ukrainian people in a painting. Folklore and particularly the traditional image of the Cossack Mamai fits the bill best, in my opinion. Items that typically surround the Cossack, like his horse, hat, bandura zither, and saber, all have their own special symbolism and are also integral elements of the Ukrainian folk culture. The cover of Forbes magazine features the people who the editors consider to be the richest and most influential. Much of our society wants, for unclear reasons, to be in their place. I do not understand this. People today do not want to think, they do not seek some enlightenment, only money, no matter how it is obtained. I was trying to portray in my work another form of wealth. I wanted the audience to realize that they are Ukrainians first and foremost, and this is the most important thing today. Unfortunately, another common phenomenon today is the ostentatious patriotism that people are trying to demonstrate in order to, again, get some dividends. To some extent, my paintings are also a protest against the present trend. In addition, Cossack Mamai symbolizes a journey, a distance that must be covered, just as Ukraine is now trying to do...”

PHOTO REPLICA OF DMYTRO ERLIKH’S WORK FROM “NEW DREAM” SERIES, CREATED FOR FORBES UKRAINE’S ART PROJECT “NEW UKRAINIAN DREAM”

Erlikh was born in Odesa. He graduated from the Odesa Hrekov Art College, majoring in decorative arts, and the faculty of design of the International Humanities University. He participated in many exhibitions and art projects. Interestingly, on seeing “New Dream” series of works by Erlikh, another famous Odesa artist Oleksandr Roitburd wanted to have one of them at home at any cost. In exchange, he presented a painting of his own to Erlikh. “It was a great honor for me,” the young artist told us. “It is nice to know that an artist of such fame noticed and appreciated my work.”

In the context of Forbes’s latest decision to name Russian President Vladimir Putin as the most influential person in the world for the second year in row, works by the artist have emerged in a new perspective. “I am not surprised that Forbes named Putin as the most powerful person, as he rules the largest country in          the world, rich in oil and gas,” Erlikh commented. “But it must be remembered that ‘the      most influential’ does not automatically mean ‘the most worthy.’”