Andrei Protsouk - Andrei Art Gallery
For Ukraine: A Benefit for Ukrainians in Crisis
Auction of Andrei’s Original Painting “Passion Week”
New Limited Edition on Canvas Series
“Passion Week” - Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas, 29”x36”, with included hand-painted frame.
Edition of 99
This painting, to be auctioned off for the Dominican Friars, is an extremely symbolic still life and central work of the Still Alive Series. “Passion Week” embodies the indiscernible nature of the conflict. This painting is not intended to make sense of the purposes of this war, rather show how the Ukrainian and Russian peoples are like brothers and sisters.
In “Passion Week” there are elements of Ukrainian and Russian items, with some other foreign elements. In the center of the composition, we see paska bread and Easter eggs. These represent the primary religious, holy orthodox beliefs that both peoples practice. The tapestry that these items rest on resembles a traditional Russian pattern. The sunflowers represent Ukraine, their national flower. The wine bottle contains a Molotov cocktail, created originally by Russian revolutionaries and now used by the Ukrainians to ward them off. Vodka represents both countries, embraced by Ukraine and Russia, alike. The bananas, oranges, and other fruits represent foreign intervention— such produce does not grow indigenously in either nation. The bullet casings and hand grenades are nonchalantly scattered for both nations; this shows how familiar both Ukraine and Russia are with war and oppression. “Passion Week” speaks of an unfathomable uncertainty. This conflict, presented by the piece, neither makes sense nor will benefit anyone.
“Tarmazok”— Limited Edition Giclee on Canvas, 18”x24”
Edition of 99
“Tormozok” was the first painting Andrei created for the Still Alive Series. He came up with this painting after visiting Donetsk in 2014, at a time when conflicts were beginning to arise. Tormozok is coal mining slang, meaning “emergency brake.” The literal translation refers to the brakes on the mine shaft trollies that haul coal underground. The actual use of this term refers to a “short break,” or a small snack sometimes accompanied by a few shots of vodka. In this painting, we see the juxtaposition of the conflict’s cease-fire, demonstrated by the prominent AK-47 at the top of the piece. The fish in the center is smoked mackerel, a delicacy enjoyed by both nations. The Ukrainian “salo,” or bacon, is often a common chaser for vodka.
“Still-Alive with Grenades”— Mixed Media on Canvas, 24”x30”
Edition of 99
Similar to “Tarmazok,” “Still-Alive with Grenades” features smoked mackerel on a plate decorated with a traditional Russian folk pattern. In art history, pomegranates have traditionally represented fertility and desire. In this piece, they are juxtaposed with grenades and the desire to destroy. An important factor to the meaning of this piece, in both the Ukrainian and Russian languages, the words “grenade” and “pomegranate” are interchangeable. Grenade is often used as slang for pomegranate.
Andrei Protsouk intends to continue the Sill Alive Series in this vein. He plans to keep adding new works for the duration of this conflict.
The Ukrainian Benefit and auction on May 14th was a resounding success for the Ukrainian refugees! We had a sold out event and auctioned Andrei’s painting “Passion Week” ultimately raising nearly $120,000 to aid the people in dire need in the war in Ukraine. 100% of the proceeds will be used to provide water, medicine, shelter and food for the influx of refugees into neighboring Poland by the Dominican Friars.
This painting, to be auctioned off for the Dominican Friars, is an extremely symbolic still life and central work of the Still Alive Series. “Passion Week” embodies the indiscernible nature of the conflict. This painting is not intended to make sense of the purposes of this war, rather show how the Ukrainian and Russian peoples are like brothers and sisters.
In “Passion Week” there are elements of Ukrainian and Russian items, with some other foreign elements. In the center of the composition, we see paska bread and Easter eggs. These represent the primary religious, holy orthodox beliefs that both peoples practice. The tapestry that these items rest on resembles a traditional Russian pattern.
The sunflowers represent Ukraine, their national flower. The wine bottle contains a Molotov cocktail, created originally by Russian revolutionaries and now used by the Ukrainians to ward them off. Vodka represents both countries, embraced by Ukraine and Russia, alike.
The bananas, oranges, and other fruits represent foreign intervention— such produce does not grow indigenously in either nation.
The bullet casings and hand grenades are nonchalantly scattered for both nations; this shows how familiar both Ukraine and Russia are with war and oppression.
“Passion Week” speaks of an unfathomable uncertainty. This conflict, presented by the piece, neither makes sense nor will benefit anyone.
One of his visits home to Ukraine in 2014 inspired Andrei to create the Still Alive Series. There, he saw the growing tensions between Russia and Ukraine. Central to the Still Alive Series is the stunning “Passion Week”, an extremely symbolic still life and the central work of the Still Alive Series. It embodies the indiscernible nature of the conflict. “Passion Week” speaks of an unfathomable uncertainty. This piece embodies the indiscernible nature of the war, and is Andrei’s way of showing the relationship between Ukraine and Russia, which he believes to be brothers and sisters. He has experienced firsthand how both countries are familiar with war and oppression. He believes that love is the universal language and seeks to convey that through his art.
“Passion Week” will be auctioned to benefit the Dominican Friars during the event on May 14th. More information about the impactful “Passion Week”, Artist Andrei Protsouk or how you can bid can be found using the link.
Press Coverage of the Event in Northeastern Pennsylvania
Who are the Dominican Friars?
For 800 years the mission of the Order of Preachers (Dominican Friars) has been to proclaim the Gospel to every corner of the world. We do this for one simple reason: that every soul may know their inherent dignity, and come to know and love Jesus Christ.
Today, the Order of Preachers spans the entire globe, divided into different regions known as provinces. This fundraiser is sponsored through the Western Dominican Province, which provides a variety of services and ministries throughout the Western United States.
The Dominicans in the West have a close relationship with the Polish Dominican province. Their student brothers study at our school in Berkeley and their friars faithfully serve in our ministries. We are blessed to have a trusted connection to a community of people on the front lines of helping Ukrainian refugees. Your donation is deeply appreciated as we work to help end this needless human suffering.
