Vasyl Dmytryk

In Patrix, hundreds of clay figures of soldiers are frozen in various moments of training or service. They all reproduce several unique prototypes created and replicated by the artist. Turning to the image of the ancient Chinese Terracotta Army, Vasyl Dmytryk reflects on the commonality of wartime experiences in different times and cultures.

The repeated actions and shapes of countless soldiers unify their images, which is what makes the army effective. Dmytryk draws attention to the vulnerability and pliability of the human body, which is forced to submit to the demands of the state. War reduces the fates of different people to a common denominator.

In groups, the figurines seem to be protected by their numbers and cohesion. However, each of them remains fragile, especially when alone. The videos that are presented in the space alongside the sculptures, highlight this contrast. There, individual ‘soldiers’ in public spaces have become a kind of monument, open to interaction with regular people. Thus, by exploring potential methods of memorialization, Dmytryk focuses on soldiers’ fragility and vulnerability. He emphasizes this not only on the battlefield, but also in civilian life, particularly among ordinary citizens.