Russian artist Petr Davydtchenko is renowned for pushing boundaries in the art world. His most extreme piece, “Go and Stop Progress” (2016-2019), saw him surviving solely on roadkill for three years in the south of France. This performance involved collecting and consuming various animals, from cats and dogs to birds and even a donkey.
Currently, Davydtchenko is the artist-in-residence at The Catalyst gallery in Hong Kong until September 15. His residency includes a multimedia exhibition and unique gastronomic experiences that invite public participation. His work often challenges conventional norms, focusing on food, waste in capitalist societies, human survival, and the potential collapse of civilization.
Davydtchenko’s interest in these themes stems from his childhood in the closed military town of Arzamas-16, Russia, and later experiences in St. Petersburg. His artistic expression also extends to body art, such as a tattoo above his right eye featuring the Pfizer logo, done during the COVID-19 pandemic to provoke thought about “Big Pharma.”
In 2021, he filmed himself eating a live bat outside the European Parliament, an act meant to question the origins of the virus and the narratives provided by pharmaceutical companies. His extreme methods often draw public outrage, as seen with the bat-eating incident, which led to his brief detention by Brussels police.
During his residency in Hong Kong, Davydtchenko collaborates with local chefs, including those from the famed snake restaurant Shia Wong Hip in Kowloon. These collaborations result in weekly gastronomic experiences, offering participants a taste of his unique approach to food.
Davydtchenko’s artistic journey includes living with urban explorers in Paris’s underground tunnels, where he relied on rats for sustenance. His experiences in various cities, including Cologne, where he ate 100 rats for his work “Rat Race,” highlight his commitment to self-sufficiency and survival.
His stay in Hong Kong is being documented for his upcoming book, “Death Book,” set to be published in October. The Catalyst gallery features neon lights to pay homage to Hong Kong’s vibrant culture, enhancing the immersive experience for visitors.
Davydtchenko’s approach to art and survival techniques, such as Mongolian khorkhog and slow-cooking meat underground, showcase his innovative methods. Even vegan chefs have collaborated with him, intrigued by his use of accidentally deceased animals.
As a graduate of London’s Royal College of Art and an affiliate of A/political, Davydtchenko continues to push the boundaries of contemporary art. A/political supports his radical work, embracing controversial perspectives that challenge mainstream narratives.
Petr Davydtchenko’s dedication to his craft and extreme methods make him a unique figure in the art world, transforming his life experiences into profound artistic expressions.
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