U-Context

"U-Context" is a multidisciplinary project that delves into the complex and turbulent realities of Ukrainian society, where politics is not a distant mechanism but an ever-present force shaping collective consciousness. Revolutions, upheavals, and cycles of political transformation are not anomalies but constants, woven into the very fabric of the nation's history. The social temperature dictates the lived experience, defining the hopes, frustrations, and disillusionments of its people.

At the heart of this project lies a meditation on Ukraine’s ongoing struggle for self-determination—a nation continually reshaping itself in the pursuit of democracy and sovereignty. Yet, the path is fraught with challenges: systemic corruption siphons billions intended for urban renewal, infrastructure, and public welfare, leaving cities in a state of perpetual repair, and the populace in a cycle of resignation and repeated political misjudgments. Oligarchs thrive while the middle class remains stunted, and many face a stark choice—resist, escape, or succumb to despair. Some engage in activism, defending Ukraine’s statehood and identity; others emigrate, distancing themselves from the burden of their homeland’s struggles; and many retreat into poverty, addiction, or detachment, finding solace in a world removed from the chaos.

The full-scale war that erupted in 2022 further deepened these fractures, adding another layer of urgency to the discourse. Yet, despite these struggles, the official narrative presents a polished version of events—political slogans declare unity, resilience, and an unshaken path toward a bright future. U-Context challenges this constructed optimism, confronting the gap between political rhetoric and lived reality.

As an artist, I do not seek to comfort with illusions but to expose the "super-truth"—a raw and unfiltered depiction of the present. My work does not embellish or soften the edges; it reveals inconsistencies, contradictions, and the uncomfortable truths often left out of mainstream narratives. It is not an act of destruction but of confrontation, offering the viewer a chance to pause, reflect, and ask: Is everything truly as it seems?

Through visual and conceptual layering, U-Context constructs an alternative lens—one that does not seek to manipulate perception but instead invites honest introspection. It does not promise utopian escapism, nor does it dwell in cynicism; rather, it demands engagement, critical thought, and the possibility of genuine transformation. By peeling away the polished veneers of propaganda and exposing the underlying structure of reality, this project challenges both the artist and the audience to reckon with the complexities of Ukraine’s socio-political landscape—and to imagine something beyond its limitations.