The exhibition ‘BELIEVE ME’
by Andrii and Olexii Kulibin at Coworking Nürnberg.
Coming soon.
Let’s Get Acquainted!
Interview with Andrii and Olexii Kulibin for Artmajeur Magazine [10.02.2025]
1. What inspired you to create art and become an artist? (events, feelings,
experiences...)
Everything Happened Gradually and Unpredictably
My brother and I have no formal artistic education—we came to art out of curiosity.
For several years, we worked in the advertising industry in Ukraine, surrounded by
dull commercial projects.
Then came 2020. By chance, we stumbled upon the works of Jeff Orlowski, a brilliant
documentary filmmaker. His films—The Social Dilemma, Chasing Coral, and Chasing
Ice—left a deep impression on us at a pivotal moment when we were searching for
yourselves.
At the time, we had a small workshop equipped with tools for producing outdoor
advertising materials—banners, logos, and more. Our main equipment consisted of a
CNC machine and a 3D printer.
We created our first art objects in the summer of 2020—multi-layered canvases
featuring mythological creatures. We became completely immersed in the process
of creating something interesting and new.
This marked the beginning of our deep dive into contemporary art. The research of
Dr. Andrey Kurpatov led us to explore the theme of human social transformation in
our new digital reality.
We saw how rapidly the world was changing and wanted to reflect that on canvas.
Over time, we expanded our studio, acquired new equipment, and turned the space
into our second home—sometimes even our first.
At the core of our studio’s concept lies a fictional story about a famous artist.
We found a charismatic local actor with a grey beard, Viktor Stolyarenko, and built an
Instagram page around his persona.
Anyone who follows us becomes part of an interactive game, convinced of the
artist’s authenticity.
This metaphor perfectly captures the reality of social media, where people showcase
an idealized version of life, reinforcing unrealistic standards.
Digital giants like Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter capitalize on this illusion,
monetizing attention and turning it into a commodity.
This, in turn, fuels issues like information manipulation, the spread of fake news,
digital addiction, and ignorance.
For us, art became a way to show and spread these ideas.
2. What is your artistic background, the techniques and subjects you have
experimented with so far?
The foundation of our artistic method lies in a mixed-media approach, incorporating
everyday materials such as wood, reflective mirror surfaces, fabric, wire, and more.
In our works, we metaphorically collide different eras—the analog and the digital.
Figures from the analog era are often represented by ancient deities or historically
significant figures from the past.
The digital era is reflected through materials like black mirror surfaces, evoking the
screens of our gadgets, or soft yellow fabric, reminiscent of the color of emoji
smiles.
3. What are the 3 aspects that differentiate you from other artists, making your
work unique?
1. Multilayered complexity – Our art objects are partially created using modern
technology, such as CNC machines and 3D printers. This allows us to
reproduce unique forms inspired by everyday life.
2. No formal art education (self-education) – We don’t know how things “should”
be done or the “right” way to create art. Instead, we experiment freely, using all
available methods and approaches.
3. An artist who doesn’t exist – We use a charismatic actor in our social media
to play the role of an artist.
This is our kitsch take on the Instagram world, where real life is in short
supply. The fake artist serves as a metaphor for the hidden side of our rapidly
evolving technological reality.
4. Where does your inspiration come from?
I (Andrii Kulibin) have two young daughters. Watching them grow, I feel a deep desire
to pass on my knowledge about our technological world—to protect them from its
dangers and disappointments while fostering awareness and digital hygiene. This is
my key motivation.
As for inspiration, it comes from everyday life—observing friends and acquaintances,
witnessing their social transformation within the context of the themes we explore.
5. What is your artistic approach? What visions, sensations or feelings do you want
to evoke in the viewer?
The first emotion we aim to provoke is capturing the viewer’s attention—just like
content creators on TikTok or Instagram, who strive to hook us within the first few
seconds and keep us engaged for as long as possible. To achieve this, we
incorporate reflective mirror materials in our artworks, symbolizing the dazzling
allure of content in our social media feeds.
Beyond that, there is a second layer—the conceptual layer.
6. What is the process of creating your works? Spontaneous or with a long
preparatory process (technical, inspiration from art classics or other)?
The creation of an artwork is always a long and multi-stage process:
1. Preparatory stage – Gathering and analyzing information, discussing the
concept with each other. Sometimes, this phase can take several months.
2. Sketching – Using rough sketches and drawings to shape the initial visual
form of the future artwork.
3. Material selection – Each piece involves different materials, as they partially
reflect the concept and initiate a dialogue with the viewer.
4. Blueprint creation – Developing technical drawings for the CNC machine or
3D printer.
5. Assembly and finishing – Working with the canvas and fabricated
components, refining, painting, assembling, and applying protective coatings.
7. Do you use a particular work technique? if so, can you explain it?
We use a mixed-media technique, as described earlier.
8. Are there any innovative aspects in your work? Can you tell us which ones?
We partially incorporate modern technology into our art-making process, using CNC
machines and 3D printers. This allows us to reproduce unique forms inspired by
everyday life.
Some of our works also feature video art as an integral part of the piece. In these
cases, an NFC chip is embedded in a specific section of the artwork, enabling
viewers to scan it with a smartphone and access a dedicated video art page.
9. Do you have a preferred format or medium? If so, why?
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10. Where do you produce your works? At home, in a shared workshop or in your
own workshop? And in this space, how do you organize your creative work?
In early February 2022, Olexii and I finally completed the renovation of our new studio
in Kharkiv. We had created our dream space—a large workshop designed for working
with various materials, expanding our possibilities for experimentation.
Then, on February 24, the war began. Overnight, our studio became a shelter for us,
our family, and our friends. Since our city is only 40 kilometers from the Russian
border, we had to transform the studio into a fully equipped bunker.
Fortunately, half of the studio is located underground, providing a relatively safe
space. The basement area was quickly adapted for living, and for the first six months
of the war, we literally lived and worked in the studio. Many families passed
through—some stayed for a while, some moved on. Volunteering became an
essential part of our daily lives.
After six months, I (Andrii Kulibin) was able to relocate to Germany, to reunite with
my family in Nuremberg. Meanwhile, Olexii chose to stay and continue working in the
Kharkiv studio, despite the ongoing military activity and shelling.
Now, we have adapted to working in this new reality—I work remotely, while Olexii
works in the studio. It feels a bit like a game of chess, where each of us takes turns
making a move. We exchange ideas and create art in this way. I’m not sure if any
other artists have ever experienced something quite like this.
11. Does your work lead you to travel to meet new collectors, for fairs or
exhibitions? If so, what does it bring you?
Only recently have we started attending art fairs and meeting collectors and other art
professionals. These experiences broaden my perspective, open up new
opportunities, and inspire fresh ideas for work.
12. How do you imagine the evolution of your work and your career as an artist in
the future?
Right now, we are actively preparing for our first solo exhibition in Germany, in
Nuremberg—a highly responsible and exciting project.
After this exhibition, we plan to continue participating in group shows, expanding our
network, and ultimately aiming for prestigious events such as Art Basel.
Additionally, we are currently collaborating with Ukrainian fashion designers on a
clothing line. Brand collaborations feel like a natural and exciting direction for us in
the future.
13. What is the theme, style or technique of your latest artistic production?
We are currently finishing work on an installation for our solo exhibition in
Nuremberg. This is our first experience working with ceramics.
The theme of this installation is propaganda and its impact on individuals during
wartime. Propaganda is the tool that convinced the Russian people to wage war
against their neighboring country, Ukraine. Modern technologies have become the
perfect vehicle for the rapid spread of propaganda and misinformation.
We managed to find plates and other kitchen utensils that were made over 50 years
ago in our hometown of Kharkiv. Now we rethink their function through painting and
deformation.
14. Can you tell us about your most important exhibition experience?
For us, the most important part of any exhibition is the preparation process. Group
exhibitions are relatively straightforward, but right now, we are preparing for our first
solo exhibition, which is an entirely different experience.
For this show, we aim to create an immersive environment where everything
becomes part of the art—even the food served to guests will be integrated into the
exhibition space as a conceptual element.
15. If you could have created a famous work in the history of art, which one would
you choose? And why ?
It would be a sculpture for a public space. In 2024, we created several conceptual art
objects designed for outdoor environments. These works have become part of urban
art in various locations around the world—including the Czech Republic, Spain,
Germany, Canada, and soon, Indonesia. I love seeing the public's reaction and the
engagement these pieces generate.
16. If you could invite one famous artist (dead or alive) to dinner, who would it be?
How would you suggest he spend the evening?
I (Andrii Kulibin) don’t have a single favorite artist whom I consider the most
important or interesting. I dislike the idea of calling someone "the best" because
even the most unknown artist can teach you something new and unique.
In 2024, I was fortunate to visit an exhibition of Roy Lichtenstein’s work. If I could
bring him back for one evening, I would invite him to his own exhibition at the
Albertina Museum in Vienna. I’d ask him countless questions about his creative
process.
After that, I would offer to create an Instagram profile for him and introduce him to
our new digital world. I’m sure it would leave a deep impression on him.
