Oleg Tistol «Yu.Be.Ka.»
Oleg Tistol works with stereotypes and myths, using in his work established mass conceptions and cultural codes. Palm is one of the leading motives of his works, which are combined into large-scale series. "Yu. Be. Ka." series, which began in 2006, is perhaps the most recognizable among the works of the artist nowadays.
Generally the palm, regardless of the geography of its habitat, is associated in everyone's view with relaxation, holiday, paradise. Crimean palm has always been for Ukraine a symbol of its own paradise that is within the country, the paradise that is a stone’s throw away. Until recently, hardly anyone could have imagined that an issue of national or ethnic origin will become relevant in regard to this symbol.
But Oleg Tistol, with acumen, typical to man of art, as if caught a whiff of future difficult events. In the next series of works inspired by one of the central motifs of his art, the artist has put palms of Crimean Southern coast in the framing of Petrykivka painting. This floral folk ornament is one of the most popular and recognizable symbols, a distinctive art brand of Ukraine.
Framed by "petrykivka", palms immediately acquired not only an ethnic coloration, but also a particular geocultural binding, national component. So in his works Tistol captured Ukrainian Crimea, leaving a kind of seal of quality and a marker of belonging on the "paradise" symbol of the legendary peninsula. It is difficult to predict, but maybe it's a good sign for the near future.
Art dealer, Igor Abramovich
