Zhyvotkov was born in Kyiv on March 31, 1964. The artist is currently based in Kyiv, Ukraine.
Alexander Zhyvotkov was destined to create his art here, in Ukraine at the brink of millennia. Zhyvotkov’s art brings together ancient European traditions and civilizations of the Orient. Zhyvotkov has merged different layers of human history: in his art Scythian gods, Trypillian pottery, and Ukrainian folk icons meet early Christian catacomb wall decorations and Fayum mummy portraits; Zhyvotkov’s multidimensional art has joined Georgian metal chasing and Tibetan manuscripts. The artist provides his interpretation of the ancient human discourse by applying rough coarse lines and using dimmed rich colors to create sensuous forms.
At the same time Zhyvotkov’s art eagerly reflects on the pressing everyday issues, be it his home country, Ukraine engulfed by recent dramatic events or his personal life full of ups and downs. Zhyvotkov is far from playing the role of a sarcastic artist critical of the world, instead, he grapples with eternal questions that have divided humanity since the time immemorial, the same time reflected in his art.
