Open call for a German media artist

Ukrainian artistic team, Viktor Ruban, a choreographer-researcher; Oleg Shpudeiko and Alexey Shmurak, music composers and sound artists are looking for a German media artist for multimedia artistic collaboration creating a series of audiovisual exhibitions with performative component and online content.

The project reference is “Kyiv Frescoes” (1966) - an unfinished work made by a remarkable film director of the XX century Sergei Parajanov, that heralded his unique static-collage symbolistic style in cinema.

Exploring and employing film’s methods, images and intentions the project reflects and comprehends contemporary Kyiv renaissance contributing to the iconography of megalopolis undergoing transformation.

Sergei Parajanov

One of the greatest masters of cinema, Sergei Parajanov created two masterpieces in a row, Shadows of Forgotten Ancestors (1964) and The Color of Pomegranates (1969), had such legendary fans as Fellini, Godard, and Tarkovsky, and was imprisoned three times. His artworks, and particularly his Mona Lisa collages, put him in the company of Picasso and Warhol. At least four countries – Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine and Russia – claim him as their own, and major directors from Hollywood to Iran, fashion designers from New York to Brazil, Pulitzer Prize winning scientists and superstar musicians like Madonna have all created work influenced and inspired by this genius. Sergei Parajanov’s unmistakable films are some of the most important movies of the 20th century. [based on: https://parajanov.com/maestro/]

“Shadows Of Forgotten Ancestors” (1965)

“Kyiv Frescoes” (1966):

“The Color of Pomegranates” (1968):

Project team

Ukrainian part of artistic team consists of Viktor Ruban, a choreographer-researcher and producer; Oleg Shpudeiko and Alexey Shmurak, music composers and sound artists. Media artist will come from Germany, a country that underwent immense assimilation of cultural infusions since the end of the Second World War. The team composition elaborates the difference of artistic optics.

Kyiv

The Revolution of Dignity and beginning of armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine radically changed sociocultural environment in the whole country and, particularly, in Kyiv. Since late 90s culturally stagnating region at the moment is going through the process of transformation into dynamically developing vibrant “melting pot” thanks to the work of new generation of actors that has appeared in different spheres.  

Kyiv renaissance features - opening numerous new interdisciplinary art-spaces, creative platforms and hubs, underground rave revolution, new wave of contemporary classical and experimental music, resurgence of small businesses, emergence of street food, independent festivals and urbanistic activism.

Authors plan to generalize and symbolize the values formed by the actual Kyiv context.

Project produced by: Ruban Production ITP Ltd.

In collaboration with and supported by: Goethe-institut in Ukraine and The Oleksandr Dovzhenko National Center (Dovzhenko Center)

Where: Kyiv, Ukraine

Project timeline

2018

open call: May 16 - June 15

skype interview with applicants: June 18-19

application results: June 22

project team up (including selected participant) in Kyiv: July 30 - August 6

2019

3 one week production residencies in Kyiv: June-August (dates TBD)

post-production process: September (deadline TBD)

exhibition opening in Kyiv: October 3 (TBC)

(exhibition and program of related activities will be one month long)

Deadline for applications: June 15, 2018

Media artist profile requirements

essential:

• international project experience

• experience in media art and installation/exposition design

• skills of video editing and DOP

• interest in the contemporary Kyiv context

optional:

• experience in creating art-projects with online/web media content

• familiarity with context of European and American 60s-70s cinema

• experience in collaboration with music and choreography

How to apply

• Send CV and links to a video of your work

• Attach short cover letter with your motivation and payment expectations

E-MAIL: info@rpitp.com

Closing date is June 15th, 2018

Contact details

viktor.ruban@rpitp.com or +38 095 389 87 73 (whatsapp, viber, telegram)