1:1 2005

This is Arsen Savadov’s painting "1:1", where we see a chaotic composition, characteristic of his distinctive style. Savadov emerged as a prominent figure in the Ukrainian art scene during the late 1980s, a period marked by the collapse of the Soviet Union and the rise of a newly independent Ukraine. Savadov often incorporates elements of spectacle and theatricality into his work, blurring the lines between reality and fiction. The soccer players here seem to be caught in a moment of intense physical and emotional struggle. The symbolism of books scattered on the ground amidst the sports field introduces themes of intellectualism versus physicality, tradition versus modernity. "1:1" prompts us to consider the complex dynamics of identity and representation in a rapidly changing society. It suggests that the pursuit of individual expression is often fraught with tension, but ultimately remains a vital and transformative force.