Mykola Kushchenko paints with a sword

Following the European tradition, the hotel John Yuz in Donetsk has launched the Butterfly non-commercial art project. Every month the exposition will be renewed with the works of young talented artists from all over Ukraine, but so far the preference has been given to Donetsk masters. The July exhibit started for Donetsk residents with contemporary art represented by Mykola Kushchenko.

The contemporary art pictures have been hung over the two floors of the establishment. The July’s exposition includes 20 paintings by young Donetsk-based artist Mykola Kushchenko. The aim of the Butterfly project is to popularize art as a whole, and young Donetsk authors in particular. The project’s curator Anastasia Prymachenko aims to bring positive emotions to the viewers with the help of the project. “This is a long-time tradition in Europe, when works of interesting painters are displayed in restaurants or hotels. One can buy all these works on spot. But among other things the clients get aesthetic pleasure. They may not eat here, if it is a restaurant, simply come and look at the pictures or sculptures,” she says. Painter Kushchenko does not paint with a brush, he uses a samurai sword instead. In his time to improve his technique he mastered the skill of sword fighting. He throws the paint on the canvas, thus creating strokes in a careless manner.

It should be noted that this is the second exhibit within the framework of this project. The first one took place a month ago. Those were Yurii Svyr’s works. The project’s curator says that vernissages lasting for one month are supposed to make the concept of Butterfly. “Our idea is to show the works of various artists, speak about them, give an opportunity for young talents to show their works. It is often too expensive to showcase your works in galleries, museums, and other kinds of art space. It is expensive to rent premises these days. Besides, you need paints and canvas. A young artist, not known to the public, cannot allow showcasing his work in grand halls. Our project is non-commercial. We are not paid any rent; the artists simply leave their paintings. Besides, we pay for transportation, hang the pictures, and print out catalogues. We would like to show much, that’s why we have chosen namely such a term, one month,” Prymachenko says. To popularize the authors who are going to showcase their works in the hotel, the project’s author is going the create catalogues which would be sent to London. Any talented artist can take part in the project. For this he needs only to place his CV on the hotel’s website. The organizers promise space for everyone. “We are not into commerce. It is simply a pleasure for me to show good works, I enjoy helping young artists. And it will be a double pleasure, if the collectors and gallery owners will notice them,” Prymachenko says. “Not only is the author going to be changed every month, but the artistic genre as well. We are planning to dedicate our next exhibit to the art of photography. Butterfly is the first non-commercial project in Donetsk, cooperating with young artists with an aim to promote them.”