Bio:

Oleh Oleniev is a Ukrainian born art historian and art critic currently living in Hope with his family. He is interested in art history as a living document and a valuable pursuit that allows us to better grasp our present time. He is less interested in art history as a static document and rather strives for lively art performance ‘lectures’ in which numerous perspectives can be coaxed out of the various artworks and cultural movements discussed.

Event description:

In this second presentation of a series of art history events Oleh will look at the painting techniques and art production of renowned Ukrainian artist Mykola Bilous (1956-2023). Bilous was well known for his avant-garde approach to colour following on from the theorists of the Bauhaus school and their theory of complementary colours. Bilous studied at the Crimean College of Painting and the Kharkiv Institute of Art and Industry. He created a revolutionary method of colour harmonization known as ‘inversion’ and is widely understood as a post-media artist. Building off the ideas of the Bauhaus theorists he used primary tones (three primary colours in the same proportion of 1:3 each together) and a thin layer of other colours in complementary contrast, creating an exciting combination of contrasting colours. Bilous inverts the relationship of dark and light with the primary tone as shadow and the colours rendered as spot lit. This theatrical approach to colour and contrast elevates the tightly cropped and graphic or photo inspired images to those of art.

We will be moving to Mountainview Brewing following the Studio A / Art Machine (357 Fort Street) presentation from 6pm to 7:30pm. Mountainview Brewing (390 Old Hope Princeton Way) has several of Mykola Bilous’ artworks on display and we will continue to delve into the topic up on highway from 7:30pm to 8:30pm. Don’t miss this art talk and Sunday social!!!

Spots are limited and preregistration is required:)