What is the best art gallery in Kyiv?

By Steven Shaklan, Kyiv Post Staff Writer

www.arteast.org With its chic interior, ARTEast is 'the place' for both local and international artists to show off their works of art.

The hallmark of a thriving contemporary arts scene is a system of professional galleries. Over the past five years, a host of private galleries have found homes throughout the center of Kyiv. No longer are the staid state institutions hosting past masters the only source of aesthetic inspiration.

Unfortunately, it appears that many of our readers have not taken advantage of gallery art. Either that, or they are intimidated by the often-unorthodox means and messages of modernity.

“I am not qualified enough to answer such a question,” confessed one all-too-humble respondent. True, the world of modern art can be frightening and disorienting.

Another reader was disoriented, finding his inspiration in Mr. Snack. “I especially like the large baguettes and croissants - Rubenesque in their elegance and sexuality yet contrasted against a backdrop of Pop Art meets Pop Tart. I don’t know a lot about art, but I know what I like!”

But for those with a true “taste” for the voice of the new, there was almost unanimous agreement.

With its aggressive marketing campaigns and ever-changing exhibitions, it comes as no surprise that ARTEast, billed as Kyiv’s first professional art gallery, won the Reader’s Poll hands down.

ARTEast specializes in promoting the work of both local and national artists. The gallery displays work dealing with a range of media and subject matter. Previous exhibitions have included everything from Ukrainian folk art to Socialist Realism to previously undiscovered artistic documents of the Holocaust.

Also popular with respondents was Ra Gallery. Located in an interior courtyard off Bohdana Khymylnytskoho, this cozy little basement nook favors exhibitions by local artists, with a particular focus on photography.

RESULTS:

1. ARTEast

Others receiving votes:

Ra Gallery, the National Arts Museum

©KYIV POST