Tamara Safarova @ open space

Description

Safarova launched her project on February 23, 2022, a day before the Russian attack on Ukraine. Since then, «Mister Travchyk» has evolved into a multifaceted project that includes drawings, printed comic fanzines, performative readings, and participatory workshops. Tamara Safarova has selected a series of her works for the exhibition at the open space. «Mister Travchyk» (derived from the Ukrainian word trava, meaning grass) is a comic project by Ukrainian artist Tamara Safarova, created between 2022 and 2025. At the heart of the work is the story of a character who feels different and is searching for a sense of belonging, a homeland, and emotional connections. Through the protagonist, naive, vulnerable, and at the same time open, the work addresses themes such as diversity, empathy, care, and community. At the same time, it encourages reflection on a respectful approach to all forms of life, both human and non-human. The project began on February 23, 2022, a day before the major Russian attack on Ukraine. It subsequently transformed into an artistic space to process experiences, maintain connections, and experiment with new forms of coexistence and mutual care in times of uncertainty and change. «Mister Travchyk» is presented in various formats, including drawings, comic fanzines, performative readings, and participatory workshops. Through the interaction of image, text, voice, and collective participation, the project becomes a collective experience that unites people through storytelling, empathy, and imagination.