Jokes Everywhere
Under the Mask of Irony: Vanya Volkov's Solo Exhibition Jokes Everywhere in London
In October 2024, contemporary artist Ivan Volkov will present his solo exhibition Jokes Everywhere. Curated by Dmitry Malyshev and Valeria Nikitina, the exhibition will run from October 22 to 27, offering viewers an artistic dialogue about the nature of evil, often hidden behind the mask of irony and humor.
In a world of ongoing political, religious, and social crises, where Francis Fukuyama’s “End of History” has not come to pass, evil permeates all levels of social existence. Volkov’s exhibition invites viewers into a world where evil is presented as a threat disguised in irony. He explores the nature of evil through his characters—simultaneously frightening and alluring—prompting the audience to ask: what is evil, and where does it come from?
After emigrating to Paris, Volkov himself became part of globalization, which, rather than uniting people, has intensified the divide between “us” and “them.” This tension is reflected in his work, where heightened social and political conflicts create an atmosphere of unsolvable contradictions.
His seemingly innocent characters in both paintings and ceramic sculptures subtly approach the viewer, ready to engage in a complex conversation about morality and justice. In these works, humor serves merely as a veil for evil—something that cannot be tamed or negotiated with.
“While creating my ceramic sculptures, I was inspired by my visits to the Branly Museum, where I studied the works of ancient peoples—from African tribes to Oceanic cultures. I wondered what these masks and totems symbolized and tried to convey that same mystery and mysticism in my work. Moreover, my characters, like those from movies and comics, allude to the tradition of Halloween—they are simultaneously funny and scary, but instead of repelling, they attract and invite the viewer to reflect on different facets of their own personality,” Volkov comments on his work.
The photographs by Dmitry Malyshev, one of the exhibition’s co-curators, engage in a dialogue with Volkov’s pieces. Through self-portraits and images of his characters, Malyshev reveals the dramatic consequences of human’s interaction with evil.
The contradictory images embodied in these works help reveal what we often try to hide. Through art, the artist and curators invite viewers to explore the intricate web of the world and gain a deeper understanding of themselves.
• Venue: 7 Kensington Mall, London, W8 4EB
• Opening night: October 22, 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM
• Dates: October 23 - 27, 2024
• Exhibition hours: 12:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Free entry