In uncertain times, creativity can be a must. The Ukrainian artist Anastasija Koerkovitsj decided to switch art fairs to the pop-up gallery Anastasija Art Gallery in Aalst. 

Born in Ukraine, Anastasija has now been living and working in Belgium for more than 20 years. Three months ago, she found a place where she can exhibit her work during these unprecedented times. ‘Since the last art fair in Luxemburg took place in September, I had to find a decent alternative,’ she says. ‘The benefit of a pop-up is its flexibility and not being bound by a long-term lease.’

The exhibition shows some of Koerkovitsj’s original artwork, alongside the work of colleagues such as the Ukrainian artist Maryna Polishchuk, better known as Artistmarin. It includes a combination of photos, drawings and flower-themed oil paintings.

Flexible alternatives
Due to the current pandemic, these have been difficult times for the cultural sector. Anastasija Koerkovitsj wants to point out that alternatives are available. ‘Art fairs were not an option anymore. The pop-up gallery is, hopefully, a long term solution,’ Koerkovitsj explains. ‘With this concept, I want to use the time I would otherwise spend participating in these events to try to make a living. Artists can’t sit back and wait for things to get back to normal. The goal is to combine this gallery and get more fellow artists to exhibit their work there.’

Covid-19 restrictions
Of course, just like any exhibition, there are certain Covid-19 restrictions. ‘The pop-up is rather small, 20m2 in area, and there is only a maximum of two visitors allowed at a time. If there is any interest in a specific artwork, they can make an appointment,’ Anastasija says.

The pop-up ‘Anastasija Art Gallery’ will be open to visitors every weekend, until May 30. More practical information can be found on the website. 

Text: Marie-Julie Van de Sijpe, photo: © Marie-Julie Van de Sijpe