Biography of Nikita Kadan
At times of political upheaval it is essential to have artists capable of exposing the truth—in the Ukraine Nikita Kadan assumes this mantel. Born in 1982, his outspoken stance against Soviet influence has been a large focus of his work alongside his research into Ukraine's urban transition—a shift so rapid it is jeopardizing the country's historical roots and public areas. Kadan's unmasking of political wrongdoing pushes him into the dual role of activist and artist. As a member of the Revolutionary Experimental Space (R.E.P.), a collective in which artists perform the role of curator and critic, Kadan is trying to ensure that in Ukraine the door to dialog and critical discussion is kept open. Torture is a recurring theme in the artist's work, as can be seen in his multiple Procedure Room, 2010. The Ukraine police have perpetrated all the acts of supreme cruelty that Kadan has featured in a deadpan manner on this set of 8 gold-rimmed plates.
Nikita Kadan's practice includes installations, paintings, sculptures, posters, and writing. These disciplines have all been turned, one way or another, to highlight the point where differing political ideologies come together—notably the vacuum of ideology formed in the countries relieved of Soviet influence. In 2011 Kadan won the PinachukArtCentre Prize. He has exhibited at MuseumsQuartier Wien, Vienna, CCA Ujazdowski Castle, Warsaw, ZKM Museum of Contemporary Art, Karlsruhe, Pinakothek der Moderne, Munich, and Saatchi Gallery, London. In 2015 Kadan featured prominently in the Istanbul Biennale curated by Carolyn Christov-Bakargiev.
