To the Esteemed ArtLaguna Jury,
My name is Ivgen Piven, better known as Pablo Spasibo — an artist working in my own unique style called Funeralism. I was born in September 1989 in the town of Oleksandriia, Ukraine.
My artistic name, Pablo Spasibo, is a kind of personal tribute — a “thank you” to Pablo Picasso (“spasibo” means “thank you” ). His work made a phenomenal impression on me. He showed me that even as a classically trained, academically gifted artist, one can follow their own path, create what feels true and beautiful to oneself, rather than simply fulfilling expectations imposed by others.
Since childhood, I have been passionate about music, drawing, hiking — and later, photography.
I do not have a formal art education; I simply do what I love and love what I do.
I began painting actively about ten years ago, inspired by my dear friend and artist Nikolay Ovchar. Over four years of friendship, he generously shared with me his knowledge and secrets of oil painting. Thanks to him, I discovered a deep love for the great masters of classical painting, as well as the worlds of surrealism, impressionism, and post-impressionism, for which I remain sincerely grateful.
In my creative practice, I work in an original style that I call Funeralism, derived from the word funeral. My works are a kind of homage to post-mortem photography and a reference to Ikebana, where living and non-living elements are arranged into symbolic harmony.
I often use symbols, metaphors, and references — to figures from painting, literature, cinema, and to people who have played a meaningful role in my life.
This style is characterized by a melancholic aesthetic, reminiscent of vanitas and classical painting traditions.
I strive to create not just images but cycles and series of paintings, often interlinked through common themes, symbolic threads, or historical figures. Each series is designed with intention — not only as spontaneous expression, but also with a clear vision and conceptual structure.
While art is my vocation, my daily life is also multifaceted. I work full-time as the head of a small logistics department in the field of international air freight. Outside of work, I am a photographer, musician, and a pilgrim — a seeker in both literal and philosophical senses. These experiences deeply inform my artistic process.
This is my first international exhibition of this kind, and it took me a long time to find the courage to share my work with a wider audience. I tend to be strict with myself and my standards. Nonetheless, I have already held three solo exhibitions in Wrocław, where I live and create.
My current collection consists of 60 paintings, and choosing just five for this exhibition has been an enormous challenge. Each work holds a deep personal meaning, with layers of hidden messages that resonate within me. For this exhibition, I selected paintings from different series, and each one carries within it the depth of an entire cycle — the essence of dozens of connected ideas and works.
I have a great dream — to take part in an exhibition in the magnificent city of Venice. I would be truly honored and grateful for such an opportunity.
