Eduard Prykhodko: “My priorities are plastic painting, texture, shape.”

A bright and original artist with his recognizable style, a desirable participant in exhibitions and art projects, a wonderful person and an interesting conversationalist–a lot of people know the Uzhhorod citizen Eduard Prykhodko exactly like this. 

– So, as I understand, now you are the master in your father’s studio?

– Yes, I am. My becoming as an artist began exactly in the studio of my father, whom I consider my first and major teacher and adviser. My father taught me the basic laws of composition, the technique of textured painting, work with monochrome colours, technical methods of painting.

– Was he a strict teacher? What instructions do you remember?

– No, he was more an adviser-democrat. There are two father’s instructions that I remember. They are very impressive and I try to apply them in my creativity. They are- “to be able to stop timely” and “do not start working without a sketch”.

– It turns out that you are self-critical?

– I'm really demanding about my creative works. Often upon finishing work, I return to it after a while, finalize it. At the same time, I try not to forget that “I must stop timely”. I am constantly in search of new themes and artistic techniques. As well as means of their implementation. There are favourite subjects to which I return.

– You mean the theme of horses, which is often found in your works?

– Horses- is a separate issue. I like to paint horses which in my perception are associated with such seemingly contrasting concepts as strength, courage, independence, nobleness, desire for freedom and at the same time tenderness, love and fidelity. This impresses me very much. In general, the amplitude of the ideas for my works is quite wide. An important place in my creativity is the series of works “Stop in time”. The compositions of this painting cycle reflect the material monuments of technical and cultural development. In such artefacts there lies beauty, perfection and harmony. This is the depiction of vintage cars, motorcycles, bicycles, lamps. Now I began working on a series of works “Keyboards. Golden sounds, Silver sounds”. This is an associative, abstract in painting form compositions on the theme of music, jazz.

 – It’s means that you are painting while listening music? (A tape recorder can be seen on the shelf. – Author)

– No, jazz compositions are transformed in my imagination, turning into visual reflections. However, I forced to admit that I do not like to work in silence. It can be either television news, or some programmes. Anything, but not silence.

– I noticed that you often go to vernissages...

– Yes, I do. I try to be keep up with the cultural and art life of the region.

– Artists often say: one must constantly go to the plein airs, because only the nature can give something that you cannot get staying within four walls. However, it is known that you do not go to plein airs.

– No, I don’t. I'm not a landscape painter. Moreover, I feel myself more comfortable in my studio.

– Do you have enough creative communication?

– I have enough meetings at exhibitions or other events. We often meet with colleagues for coffee.

– Is Eduard Prykhodko now different than, let say, 15 years ago?

– Firstly I was a supporter of the realistic method of shape formation and then I became interested in abstract art. Now I combine realistic manner with the elements of decorativism, without leaving work on abstract visions.

– Have you returned to the original sources, that is, to the style of your father?

– Abstraction is an experiment. Sometimes I was reproached that my father's influence was felt in my early works. But, I do not see anything wrong with that. From my father I took and borrowed a lot of important and useful things. In fact, every artist at the beginning of his or her creative career should be under someone's influence. At the same time, I'm not in favour of the opinion that an artist's early paintings are the best among his works.

– Hence your inclination for monochrome painting?

– I cannot say that I'm not interested in colour. However, my priorities are painting plastic, texture, shape.

– So, what is the author's technique of Eduard Prykhodko?

– Acrylic, applied to the soil enriched with texture, is a kind of lining, on which it is applied a coat of oil paint. Acrylic base under the movement of the brush and palette knife begins to develop and creates the effect of sparkling half-tones and shades.

– Could your art be viewed in the context of “contemporary art”?

– The term “contemporary art” itself is too multivalent and, in my opinion, does not have an exhaustive formulation. If literally, it means “up-to-date art”, which includes diversified, multi-genre stylistic directions and ways of artistic visualization of creative ideas that emerged in the second half of the past-the beginning of this century. However, in a narrower sense, these are original, innovative artistic discoveries, previously not used forms of reflecting reality or fantastic representations. In a certain sense, my art can be viewed in the context of “contemporary art”, as I am in the process of searching for new ideas, images, methods and materials for their implementation. However, without violating the boundaries of traditional for Ukrainian art easel painting.

– In one of the articles, an art critic Halyna Ryzhova noted that you try to find intrigue in life and art?

– Yes, I do. I'm trying to find intrigue and harmony. Both in life and art. I believe that art should carry optimism.

– So, you are an optimist?

–It cannot be otherwise. Only positive.

– Do not you think that Uzhhorod is a small town for creative development?

– There are places in Uzhhorod where it is possible to hold international and all-Ukrainian exhibitions of contemporary art at the European level. There is only lack of activity and desire. However, certain positive changes in artistic life are palpable and it inspires. But, our artists should be more active and inventive, think with new standards.  It can be argued that Uzhhorod is a little slow, small town. The atmosphere of our city is extremely favourable for a creative person. It's easy to work here!

– Your works are also very often in sight, among people ...

– Exhibitions are important. Only at the exhibition along with the works of other artists you can see strengths and weaknesses, you understand what you were not able to reach.

– Does your mother (Olena Prykhodko, an art critic. -Author) often criticize you?

– She criticizes, but I defend my position. And, after a while I can agree.

– Does she influence your creative decisions?

– No, but she gives good and efficient advice.

– How do you react to what people say?

– I try to abstract from this. If you have always heard positive feedback, you try to please the audience even more, become too sensitive to the current situation and mercantile.

– Are you mercantile or not? Do you think the principle painted-sold is right?

– Every artist wants to sell his work. I do not believe the words that the artist should be hungry. But, it is necessary to keep the level and not make concessions to unpretentious tastes.

– Every artist wants something. Do you have a dream of the title “Honoured” or “People's” artist?

– In my opinion, these titles have already lost their importance and value. Now it’s a different time. The best achievement for the artist is the recognition and participation in the prestigious biennale, international exhibitions.

– So, is Eduard Prykhodko a successful artist?

– I hope everything is still ahead. However, I want to believe that something has already been achieved in art. I hope that I have found my style, I am recognizable. This is very important for the artist.

Interviewed by Oksana Shtefano