Time Out at 40

Wladimir Klitschko | Ivan Marchuk

Ivan Marchuk © Time Out

Ivan Marchuk
Ivan Marchuk is Ukraine’s most prominent artist. Having made his name in America, Canada and Australia, Marchuk returned to Kiev after the September 11 attacks. One of the Ukrainian president's favourites, Marchuk was also named as one of 100 contemporary geniuses by Synectics UK& Europe consulting company, alongside such luminaries as Albert Hoffman, Nelson Mandela and ‘Simpsons’ creator Matt Groening.

When did you realise that you became famous in Kiev?
In relation to the authorities I was always an outsider. I have been known only by ordinary people. Bureaucrats started to appreciate me during Perestrojka after I left Ukraine. I did not have exhibitions in the capital, did not receive awards, I lived in vacuum. It was only through word of mouth that I became popular. One day, one person visited my workshop, the next day 20 people knew about me, 20 people visited and told another 100 about the miracle of Ivan Marchuk. Feature continues

How you see your future in Kiev?
I made myself in spite of the circumstances I found myself in. I am running my life my own way. If nobody appreciates talent in this country, what can we do? I know I am loved by people and many people want to buy my paintings, but I am not selling. I am very selective and will not sell my paintings to the first person that comes along. The times when I could sell my paintings and buy a palace have come and gone, so I am not greedy. I think my future in Kiev will not be different from my present.

Who are your heroes of Kiev?
I respect Boris Plaksij, an amazing artist and a sincere man, and the journalist Sasha Klimchuk. I also admire the writer Dmitrij Pavlychko for the competitive spirit of his political publicism.

What do you like in Kiev?
Anywhere you look you can see quite harmonious panorama. I like to walk between the Ukranian houses and Andreyevski descent and also in the botanical gardens. It is an amazing place. I like the original Kiev, which was not made by hand – in hand-made Kiev life becomes more and more difficult.

For a long time you lived abroad, why do you always return to Kiev?
When I lived in the USA people used to ask me why was I going to Kiev. I always answer that only in the Ukraine can I can see real art, because in Ukraine has the biggest concentration of talented people per square foot.

Wladimir Klitschko | Ivan Marchuk