The main goal of our project is to popularise contemporary art online and to integrate contemporary Ukrainian culture into European cultures online. Above all, to showcase young artists.
- Yuliia, you are the author and curator of the online project Codeky.art tell us a little about yourself, what the Codeky project is and what its goals are?
- I have worked in the cultural sphere since 2000. I started in architecture and design — I had my own studio. The Codeky project was created back in 2016. At first it was an art venue for young Ukrainian artists and art lovers. Students and young artists have always been our main audience, because young people are the most tech-savvy and open to everything new.
- You were among the first in Ukraine to start working online in the art sphere. What prompted you to do so?
- When we started working on the project, I heard a lot of feedback from Ukrainian artists that online would not work in art, that personal meetings, exhibitions and biennales were essential. But art markets all over the world moved to online presentation and commerce many years ago, and yes, in Ukraine we became the first online platform. Today we are one of those who present not only fine art but also home decor and interior design items. Our goal is to inspire people, make them fall in love with aesthetics and accustom society to beauty.
- You have launched a student open call (competition). What are its terms and how will it be run online?
The competition will be held once a year; the first competition on our platform will start in 2027. It will run in four categories and will give students of various disciplines the opportunity to present their creative works in the competition and, in addition, to sell their other, non-competition works on the platform on special terms. Moreover, the winners can look forward to special prizes from the platform and patrons, the opportunity to have an article published on our platform, and a free advertising package to promote and present the winning work online.
Our project is investing very substantial funds in developing the platform, and we have broad international connections and opportunities. My project partner Yana Dubinina — an artist, a talented painter and a gallerist who has long worked on the European market — had her own art gallery in Slovakia, now has an art studio in Switzerland and close ties with European partners in the art market. We have long dreamed of launching a competition for young talents, and our platform also welcomes everyone who wishes to present their work.
- So you are giving such a chance to people who want to develop in art, not only to professionals?
- Anyone will be able to try presenting their work and themselves personally, as the author of works and concepts. But of course professionals have the best chance of being heard! The world has changed a great deal recently; people are interested in artists' concepts and worldview, not only in a skilfully made artwork. What matters most in art is the message the author and their work convey. It is precisely today's young beginners, the art students, who will shape new tendencies in aesthetics in the future, highlight the beauty of our world and create new trends in beauty.