Roman Zhuk

Roman Zhuk (1955) is a Ukrainian artist and one of the founders of Ukrainian transavant-garde. His works have been exhibited worldwide. He worked in the styles of metaphysical realism, surrealism, and symbolism, combining realistic techniques with fantastic and ironic narratives. Everyday images in his paintings take on deeper or even mysterious meanings.

Merry Company conveys an atmosphere of ease, but beneath its outward lightness, it may conceal social satire, an allegory of human relationships, or irony about the very concept of "merriment." The composition is built on the interaction of characters, creating tension in the scene and adding ambiguity to the imagery.

The early 1970s marked a period of active creative exploration for Zhuk, during which he experimented with blending the real and the imagined. His paintings from this time are characterized by deep emotional expressiveness, well-thought-out symbolism, and openness to multiple interpretations.

This work captivates with its delicate interplay of form, color, and meaning, compelling the viewer to examine details and uncover new meanings behind each image.