CURRENT ARTIST ON RESIDENCE: Margarita Ivy

Margarita Ivy (*1998) is a Ukrainian artist living and working in the Czech Republic. Her work as a student of the Academy of Arts and Crafts in Prague has received a great deal of attention, especially due to her controversial work entitled "Lullaby", in which she doused a deceased cat in epoxy, which sparked a fierce debate about the limits of acceptability of the theme of death in art. The work was exhibited at the Window Gallery in Přerov, which is run by contemporary art collector Robert Runták. Ivy draws inspiration from her grandmother's traumatic experiences and harsh worldview, while exploring questions of existence and the transformation of departed souls. Her works, which often include animals encased in epoxy, symbolize transformation and the transition between life and death. Ivy's work can evoke strong emotions and bring viewers to existential questions - she seeks to use art to represent coming to terms with death in a more subtle way.