On the verge of consciousness

"On the Verge of Consciousness" was the first solo exhibition by Mykhailo Markin, held at Sunny Gallery in Kryvyi Rih in 2014. This collection of 22 sculptures stood as a profound philosophical exploration—each piece engaging with timeless and universal themes such as freedom, human existence, love, and the full spectrum of human emotions.

What made this exhibition truly unique was its interactive format. The sculptures were presented without titles, leaving interpretation open to the audience. Next to each piece, a notebook was placed, inviting visitors to name the sculptures themselves, forging a personal connection between the artwork and the observer. This participatory element transformed the exhibition into an evolving dialogue, where each visitor's perception became part of the artistic process.

The sculptures, created in ceramic and papier-mâché, reflected Markin’s signature ability to merge raw materiality with deep conceptual thought. Some pieces carried an almost primal energy, while others exuded fragility and introspection—all inviting a meditative state of reflection on the nature of consciousness itself.

"On the Verge of Consciousness" was more than an exhibition; it was an experiment in perception, a journey into the personal and collective psyche, where the boundaries between artist and viewer blurred, giving birth to new meanings with each interaction.