29 September 14

Premonition: Ukrainian Art Now aims to provide a broad introduction to the diverse and energetic nature of Ukraine's art-scene through showcasing over 160 works by 38 artists. 

The exhibition will take over one entire floor of the Gallery and features work that has been made recently, but mostly pre-dates the social unrest and upheaval that Ukraine has experienced during 2014. However, the title acknowledges that since the early years of the new millennium, the work of many Ukrainian artists has tended to reflect, or even predict in an uncanny way, the growing challenges, issues and questions concerning their nation's future identity and stability. 

Premonition: Ukrainian Art Now showcases an exciting group of artists who are relatively unknown outside their homeland. Some of the artists featured in this exhibition have established reputations in Ukraine, while others are recent graduates. The work of these two generations of artists provides an arresting insight into the future of contemporary art in Ukraine and is set to play a key role in shaping our understanding of the culturally rich but complex environment in which they practice their art. The exhibition has been organised by The Firtash Foundation as part of Days of Ukraine in the UK, a celebration of contemporary and traditional Ukrainian art, fashion, literature and music. 

Premonition: Ukrainian Art Now forms the largest survey to date of Ukrainian contemporary art in the UK. It is the third in a series of exhibitions at the Gallery aimed at showcasing Ukraine's unique culture and heritage to an international audience in London and is part of a long-term partnership between the Saatchi Gallery and the Firtash Foundation announced in July 2014. 

The exhibition has been co-curated by Marina Shcherbenko, Igor Abramovych, Oleksandr Soloviov and Andriy Sydorenko with advice from Vladyslav Tuzov and Natalia Shpitkovskaya at the Modern Art Research Institute and National Academy of Arts of Ukraine. 

Ukraine has one of the most vibrant art scenes in the Former Soviet Union and the artists in this exhibition have chosen very individual and unique ways to communicate; showing extraordinary commitment, energy, insight, resilience and talent. 

http://www.saatchigallery.com/current/premonition.php