Rusty Trawler (Расти Троллер)
b. Kamianets-Podilskyi, Ukraine, 1989
y. active 2010 - present
Pyramid of Needs (the word on the foreheads is “War”)
acrylic paint markers on paper, 16.5 x 11.8 in
Created on April 16, 2022
See all of the works in the exhibit HERE
At the time of painting, the artist was in his home in Kamianets-Podilskyi, South-Western Ukraine. He did not have to flee and continued to work in his home.
$650
All proceeds go to help artists in Ukraine and to foster US-Ukraine cultural ties and cooperation. Please use Contact Form or see restaurant staff if you are interested in purchasing.
Rusty Trawler is a pseudonym that was taken from the character from the movie Breakfast at Tiffany’s. Rusty began as a graffiti artist and studied art history and visual aesthetics on his own. Decision to become a professional artist came to him after watching the movie “Exit Through the Gift Shop” by Banksy. Over the years he developed a distinct style and method that cannot be mistaken for anything else. His work is often a social commentary on current and past events or an effort to expose society's vices. He had personal exhibits in L'viv, participated in events in Slovakia, and took part in art fairs in Kyiv.
The most obvious allusion here is to the Maslow Hierarchy (pyramid) of Needs, except it is represented by people. In order to move up the pyramid your more basic needs have to be fulfilled. As you progress up, your needs become more sophisticated and less to do with your physical well-being but more with self- realization. Each person here has “WAR” written on their forehead evoking the war that is going on in Ukraine, we can see fear on their faces as well. More vulnerable social strata are more affected and, looking at their pants, are more visibly scared. In reality those on top are just as terrified by what is going on, but they are covered, protected, and are hiding behind the backs of those who are at the bottom. We can also see here a silent consent with what is happening in Ukraine in particular and the world in general. Everybody knows that this should not be happening but instead of doing something to stop it are adding fuel to the fire.
