In the beginning of February, Ukrainian land-art artists Marharyta Zhurunova and Bohdan Lokatyr arrived in Copper Leg residency, taking part in the project for Ukrainian creative professionals. Project is organised by LOORE network and funded by Nordic Culture Point.
Their work will be presented on March 21st together with Ruta and Ruslan Trochynskyi’s concert and fine Ukrainian cuisine.
Could you briefly introduce yourselves and explain what you do together?
I’m Marharyta Zhurunova and my partner is Bohdan Lokatyr. We are from Ukraine and we create land‑art and site-specific installations that interact with the environment.
How did you start working together?
I grew up in Vinnytsia city, where every winter a land-art festival called MITHOGENESIS took place. I used to be there as a viewer or a volunteer. Bohdan and I studied together at the Academy of Printing, in the same course. During our second year, over winter holidays, I invited him to try participating in MITHOGENESIS as an artist. We liked it, everyone liked our work, and that experience launched our collaboration in 2015.
When you create a piece together, do you have fixed roles, or do you just do what’s needed?
Usually, we talk a lot and discuss ideas. Our conversations eventually spark concepts, so it’s hard to say who originated a particular idea. It’s nice that we are partners, because our ideas often start with simple chats.
Also, I usually document the process with photos and video, while Bohdan handles most of the engineering, which he has a talent for, and together we create the works.
Does the landscape of a new location inspire you?
Yes. We rarely plan a project in advance. The terrain, weather, and light usually decide what will happen. New site is especially exciting because it opens up many new possibilities for us.
Does your home country influence your work?
Absolutely. Since the full-scale invasion, almost all of our projects relate in some way to what we have experienced in Ukraine and how it affects both the landscape and ourselves. Even when we try to step away from it, Ukrainian identity is always present and continues to shape our practice
How has the war affected the art scene in Ukraine?
Despite enormous difficulties, the Ukrainian art community remains active and resilient. New art spaces, events, and programs keep emerging across the country, and Ukrainian artists are increasingly active both abroad and at home. It feels like our responsibility. The pressure of war has, in many ways, intensified our creative drive – Ukrainian art is still growing.
What are your future plans, both artistically and personally?
We live in very precarious times, so plans tend to be fragmented. We have an upcoming residency at Indiana University in the United States and hope to realize a large installation in Kempele, Finland, this August. Bohdan is also completing his PhD this year. After that – well, we’ll see what comes next.
Is there anything you’d like to add to conclude our interview?
The light here is extraordinary – very different from anywhere we’ve worked before. We’re excited to create installations that respond to this quality, especially in dialogue with the snow. We hope people enjoy the work and the unique atmosphere of this place.
Interview and photos by Ott Kattel
See you in Copper Leg!
