Yura Omelchenko, art YouTuber
Sometimes, it is the most naive ideas at first that become very powerful driving forces. That's what ARTpatrol became in Russia thanks to its founder Yura Omelchenko. He was the first to talk cheekily and democratically about contemporary art through YouTube videos. There, he covers major art events in Russia and abroad, meets with museum directors and chats with famous artists. The starting point for this adventure was the opening of the OMELCHENKO gallery by his family members. Immersing himself into the art world and falling in love with its community, it came to Yura’s realization that no one understood how interesting it was and what was hidden behind the doors of museums, galleries and artist’s studios. He then decided to share this amazing and intense world with as many people possible in Russia, to give everyone the opportunity to travel and explore the world through art.
What does “ARTpatrol” mean to you?
ARTpatrol is my art. As an artist, the feedback I receive is key. It inspires me.
ARTpatrol, on one hand, is a resource for people who love art and, on the other hand, it encourages artists by giving them an audience.
How did the idea first appear?
It was by chance, at the end of September 2017. After the opening of the Takashi Murakami exhibition at the Garage Museum, I read that all bloggers were welcomed to a special event. At that moment, I just felt a very strong desire, a call to show a large number of people what life in the art world means, to open its’ doors to a new generation; to make this elite world of Contemporary Art more accessible and understandable.
The team with whom I shot the first issue also appeared by chance. There was no name yet. With this first shooting, we understood how difficult it can be to work on a project like this… Therefore, the first issue was released only in early 2018. Actually, ArtPatrol’s date of birth is January 11, 2018.
Was it difficult at the beginning? How did the art community react to your initiative?
In the beginning, it is always difficult. There were many different problems - with the team, the pictures, technical issues... There was a time when I wanted to give up. But my faith in the project and belief that I was doing a good thing helped. At the start, I fully felt the elitism of the art world, its closeness, and a lot of difficulties came from that. Sometimes, I had to break through walls with a fight to get my way. Shit happened. But I believe that if you do something and it causes a reaction, whatever that is, then you are doing it well.Now, of course, it has become easier. My credit has grown. 90-95% cases are problem-free. That was one big hard way but it was also important for me to realize it because it makes it even more meaningful to bring art to people. It also gave me the strength to go forward. Now, the main task is to make the project fully self-supporting and make money, while remaining useful.
The project is 2 years old. What are you most proud of?
I am proud that it works, that videos were made in different parts of the world. Proud that people write to me from all over Russia, that they quote phrases from ARTpatrol. Proud that thousands of people went to the museums for free to see top exhibitions thanks to the channel… Some fly from other cities to Moscow in order to go to exhibitions they learned about through the channel. All my achievements are about people. Of course, I am also glad that I managed to launch the ART FLASH x ARTpatrol collection, where it is possible to order sweatshirts with quotes from famous figures of the Russian art market. With my sister, we were the first to launch live broadcasts on Instagram and #ArtPatrolonQuarantine appeared. Go check our discussions with Museum Directors, Gallerists and painters.
Are you an "art blogger"? What is your job about?
I do not like the word “blogger”. Blogger and art are not compatible for me. I am a person who is engaged in contemporary art. I must say that when I started this project, I wasn't a professional. Still I could understand it as I studied 10 years in an art school, even though I do not have a degree in Art history. The channel became my school, gave me an impulse to self-educate, made me read professional literature. But the main thing to work in art is that you have to love it. That’s also why it’s not difficult for me to work 24/7 sometimes.
How many people work for you? Who are they?
My team gathers around 8-9 people : my personal assistant - Sofia, 2 administrators of our family gallery, one graphic designer who joined us 18 months ago… I did the first 25 issues with just one person - Roma. Now I have several editing operators.
My sister and parents are also helping a lot.
I have to say that the people who are around you and believe in you are very important. I’m lucky tohave those who believed in art and in me. Thanks to them, Art Patrol became what it is now.
Yura and his sister Anastasia
Would you say you've created a community over the years thanks to the channel? How do you develop communication with your audience? What is important to you?
Certainly. Having an audience that believes in you and that follows you gives strength and credit to your content. Which in turn makes more people follow you !
When communicating with the audience and in my videos, I try to be who I am - sincere and free. This is my key to success. I am authentic in front of the audience.
Trust from collectors of the Omelchenko Gallery has also been growing. A higher level of guests has appeared in the gallery and more people start coming to see exhibitions. For me, the gallery and ArtPatrol are two projects that work in synergy.
Yura and his father, Alexandre Omelchenko
What do you like the most in your work ?
Definitely the interaction with artists and with their artworks. Through them, you can develop a better understanding of the world, explore how different all people are, discover how they think and see differently. I came to more strongly appreciate a person as an individual. It is also a way to consider a human being from a different point of view – as a creator, who gives birth to ideas and brings them to life. For me, this is also an ongoing incentive for personal development. Art will not be revealed to you if you are not internally fulfilled.
How do you innovate?
I speak about Art in a very easy, light language with a lot of freedom to joke and show funny things. I explain things through my life experience in a very spontaneous way, as opposed to an expert speech. This new way of speaking of art is a will of democratizing it, instead of the traditional elitist approach.
What is the role of artists in Russia today in your opinion?
I remember artist Andrey Barteniev, who said: “Why are we all needed? – We are needed to maintain goodness on this earth. To create kindness around. ”
And Olga Sviblova, director of Multimedia Museum of Moscow, said: “An artist has no right to hurt others. He has the right to make pain only to himself. ”
I would also add that artists in Russia are needed to preserve the history of Russia, its culture. Then contribute to it and develop it. History can be rewritten, but you can’t remake the works of artists.
What is, according to you, the situation of Russia in the global art ecosystem? Do you believe in our growing role?
For me, Russia is a country where creative freedom,is very strong, even without of financial support. Artists do not work for money or in order to be famous – it is really hard for them in Russia as we don't have an art market to compare to Europe and USA.
But Russia is a country that has given the world icons and Russian avant-garde. Therefore, I am sure that we have it in us to bring something powerful and strong to the table in the coming years.
What is your everyday routine? And what is important in your everyday life?
I try to do sports every day. I think this is important.
Reading is inspiring. Work is my favorite activity as I do what I love.
My faith in God is important, because I believe that if faith weakens, then the person will also weaken.
What is your definition of Art ?
Art is infinity. Humans are not eternal, but Art is. It remains after human being pass away. Working in art is like being in contact with this eternity.
