They are graphic designers, videographers, musicians, and all of Ukrainian nationality. The Montagenet estate, near Nontron in the Dordogne, hosts the residence Biruchiy two weeks at the end of April 2024. Among the 18 artists came to create works of art, Max Robotov arrives directly from Ukraine. For two years, this artist who practices electronic music in particular has joined the army to defend his country.
Extreme fatigue
Max Robotov wears his uniform at every public appearance, every concert: “We Ukrainian soldiers, before, we were artists, engineers, businessmen. I don’t want people to stigmatize us because that we defend our country. We are still human, and passionate about the things we loved before the war” he explains on the microphone of France Bleu Périgord.
For him, the most difficult thing is the fatigue that has accumulated over two years: “Here, (in Dordogne, editor’s note) I managed to rest and concentrate on the music. But in reality, it’s impossible not to think about the front. Every day, Russian terrorism takes lives and bombs cities. This is our daily reality.“
Remote art
For the members of the Médiaklub group, of which Max Robotov is a member, it is almost impossible to meet physically. Two were unable to come to Dordogne, and are participating in the performance remotely, from Berlin and Hamburg. “This work, before, we all played it together physically. Today, we each have to play it in different places. We can’t live our lives the way we used to.” explains Max Robotov. For 2 years, he has participated in performances almost every time remotely, while in the army.
The residence is called Biruchiy, named after the island in the Sea of Azov where it has usually been held since its creation around twenty years ago. Since the Russian invasion, the organizers have been forced to relocate it. An exhibition will follow the residency in Dordogne, on April 26 and 27, to highlight the works produced at the Montagenet estate.
