Oil painting Approaching danger Igor Konovalov

№Kon 133

The oil painting on canvas titled "Approaching Danger" presents a striking juxtaposition of realism and surrealism, capturing a tense moment frozen in time. The central figure, cloaked in a deep crimson hood and draped in heavy fabric, is positioned in a dimly lit space, partially concealed in the shadows. Their hands, clad in sleek black gloves, grip a sniper rifle with meticulous precision, the barrel pointed toward an unseen target beyond the frame. The scope gleams under the stark light filtering through a window or an opening, suggesting the imminence of action. The background is stark and minimalistic, a pale sky contrasting sharply with the dark interior where the figure is positioned. A railing in the distance hints at an elevated position, possibly a vantage point for reconnaissance or an imminent confrontation. The composition’s dramatic lighting enhances the sense of depth, making the figure appear as though they are emerging from darkness into a world of sharp contrasts. Yet, amid this scene of tension and focus, whimsical elements intrude. Floating through the air are translucent, balloon-like creatures that resemble insects or small animals. Their glossy surfaces reflect the surrounding light, casting an otherworldly glow. Some hover close to the sniper, as if observing or interfering, while others drift in the open sky. The color palette is a carefully curated blend of muted tones and stark contrasts. The sniper’s red garment is the most dominant hue, drawing immediate attention to the figure and imbuing them with an aura of mystery and intensity. The monochromatic gloves, rifle, and shadows further emphasize the realism of the scene, while the vibrant, iridescent tones of the floating entities add a dreamlike quality. The sniper’s identity remains obscured, adding to the enigma of the moment. Their posture exudes discipline and readiness, yet there is an undeniable sense of waiting—a fraction of a second before something unfolds. The presence of the surreal creatures raises questions about the nature of the threat.

*** ABOUT THIS PAINTING ***
* TITLE: "Approaching danger"
* ARTISTS: Igor Konovalov
* SIZE: 120x75 cm/'47.24x29.52 inches'
* MEDIUM: oil, canvas
* HAND PAINTED: Original painting from our collection
* CONDITION: we tried to convey the maximum information with the help of photos about this product

About the artist: He was born in 1965 in the city of Novy Bug.

1983—1987 — Dnipropetrovsk State Art School.

1987—1993 — Kyiv State Art Institute.

Since 1993, co-founder of the art commune "Squat on Olehivska Street", the activity of which has two periods:

1993—1996 — "classic squat" (occupation of premises for workshops and housing, exhibition activity, as a practice of introduction into society).

1996-2006 — "fictitious squat" (author of the project — Fiction Gallery Expedition. — going beyond workshops and galleries (institutions) into open urban space.

The founder of the Hill-art direction (art on the hills), within the framework of which actions were held and facilities were created on the hills of Kyiv.

2010-2020 - develops the author's mythology, which he called "Infodelica".

The creator of paintings, promotions, objects and video art.

Lives and works in Kyiv.

EXHIBITIONS

Personal exhibitions:

2020 - Recreation room, Kyiv History Museum, Kyiv

2019 - "Voices", CSM "Soviart", Kyiv

2018 - "Two Pages", Kyiv History Museum, Kyiv

2017 - "Point of support", CSM "Soviart", Kyiv

2016 – "Presidency", CSM "Soviart", Kyiv

2016 - "Relax", CSM "Soviart", Kyiv

2015 – "Wi-Fi", DTEK Academy, business center "Eurasia", Kyiv

2013 - "Infa&infadelika", 8-bit Gallery, Kyiv

2012 - "Infa", Gallery "Forest", Moscow, Russia

2011 - "Infa", RA Gallery, Kyiv

2010 – I. Konovalov, Museum of Sovr. image of Arts of Ukraine (MSIIU), Kyiv

2009 – "Golden Mountains", RA Gallery, Kyiv

2008 - Ctrl-Z, RA Gallery, Kyiv

Group exhibitions:

2020 – ART CAPITAL, Grand Palais, Paris. Salon Comparaisons, groupe Alain Campello

2017 - "Squat on Olehivska Street", Sumy Municipal Gallery, Sumy

2015 – Museum collections, Ukrainian modern art. (1985-2015)

2015 – "Coefficient of independence" (America House), Kyiv

2015 - "Art for the sake of life" - charity project, "Art Arsenal", Kyiv

2014 - The 21st nude art exhibition "MAN & WOMAN", At the Museum of New Art, Pärnu, Estonia

2012 - "Squat on Olehivska Street", M17 Center of Contemporary Art, Kyiv

2012 - Art-Moscow, 16th International Art Fair, Moscow, Russia

2011 - "Independents", New art of the new country 1991-2011, "Art Arsenal", Kyiv

2011 – "Space Odyssey-2011", "Art Arsenal", Kyiv

2010 - Art project "AUT" - international art project, Chocolate House, Kyiv

Press:

• Catalog for a personal exhibition: I. Konovalov, Museum of Modern Fine Arts of Ukraine (MSIIU), "Infa", "Forest" Gallery

• The book "Squat on Olehivska Street" (1993 - 2015), Kyiv

• Collection of the Museum of Ukrainian Modern Art 1985–2015 from private collections

25 years of presence. Modern Ukrainian artists. 1991-2016, Kyiv

• Collection of catalogs of participation in numerous exhibitions and auctions

Works are located:

• Dnipropetrovsk Art Museum

• Museum of Modern Fine Arts of Ukraine (MSIIU)

• Kyiv History Museum

• In private meetings: Boris and Tetyana Hrynievych, Igor Voronov, Igor Abramovich, Oleg Krasnosilskyi, Volodymyr Kashirskyi, and others.