Exploring the Confluence of Nature and Artifice: A Deep Dive into CROCODILEPOWER: “…Hovering Over the Face of the Waters”

by Alice Zucca

In the bustling heart of Bratislava, Slovakia, lies a gallery that serves not merely as a space for artistic display, but also as a portal into the depths of human imagination and existential contemplation – Steinhauser gallery. It is within these walls that the latest exhibition, “…hovering over the face of the waters” by the visionary duo Peter Goloshchapov and Oxana Simatova, collectively known as CrocodilePOWER, unfolds as a rich mosaic of myth, reality, and the eternal dance of time.

As visitors step into this ethereal realm, they are immediately enveloped by an atmosphere charged with the vibrancy of creation. The gallery pulsates with the energy of CrocodilePOWER’s art, inviting viewers to embark on a journey of exploration and contemplation. At the heart of the exhibition lies a wild garden—an oasis of untamed beauty where geometric constraints yield to the organic chaos of nature. In this sanctuary, authenticity reigns supreme, and every living organism finds its rightful place in a delicate balance of existence.

Yet, beneath the surface tranquility of this idyllic landscape lies a deeper truth—a truth that speaks to the urgent ecological crisis facing our planet. The presence of plastiglomerates—a haunting reminder of humanity’s relentless intrusion into the natural world—serves as a poignant symbol of the environmental degradation that threatens to disrupt the delicate equilibrium of life on Earth. Through their art, Goloshchapov and Simatova confront viewers with the sobering reality of our collective responsibility to safeguard the planet for future generations.

In the face of this ecological turmoil, CrocodilePOWER’s work emerges as a beacon of hope and reflection. Through a masterful fusion of ancient mythological motifs and contemporary urgency, the duo creates a multi-dimensional narrative that transcends the boundaries of time and space. Paintings, sculptures, and installations coalesce to form a surreal landscape where past, present, and future converge in a mesmerizing dance of symbolism and meaning. It is within this fluid realm that viewers are invited to question their perceptions of reality and to rediscover the interconnectedness of all existence.

Central to CrocodilePOWER’s artistic vision is a profound reverence for the web of life that binds us all—a recognition that the divisions we perceive are but illusions, and that beneath the surface lies a vast, interconnected network of being. Through their exploration of myth and imagination, Goloshchapov and Simatova challenge us to peel back the layers of artificiality that obscure our understanding of the world and to embrace the primal essence that animates all creation.

As visitors meander through the gallery, they are enveloped by the swirling colors and textures of CrocodilePOWER’s creations, each piece serving as a portal into the depths of human consciousness. It is a journey of self-discovery and introspection, where the boundaries between self and other, human and non-human, blur and dissolve. In the midst of environmental crisis and uncertainty, the exhibition serves as a potent reminder of the transformative power of art to provoke thought, inspire action, and instigate change.

“…hovering over the face of the waters” transcends its status as a mere exhibition—it becomes a testament to the enduring capacity of art to transcend the limitations of time and space and to illuminate the profound mysteries of existence. It is a call to arms—a call to embrace our interconnectedness with the natural world and to forge a path towards a more sustainable and harmonious future for all beings. As we navigate the turbulent waters of the 21st century, let us heed the wisdom of CrocodilePOWER and strive to cultivate a world where creativity, compassion, and stewardship reign supreme.

The exhibition “Hovering Over the Face of the Waters” by artist duo CrocodilePOWER will be showcased at the Steinhauser Gallery in Bratislava, Slovakia. The exhibition opened on February 7th, 2024, and will run until March 27th, 2024.

All images Courtesy Steinhauser gallery, Installation views “…hovering over the face of the waters” CrocodilePOWER at Steinhauser gallery in Bratislava 7 Feb – 27 Mar 2024, Photos _isonative