The 2011 exhibition “Escape Plan from Donetsk Region” by Roman Minin, which can be considered prophetic to a certain extent, left a lasting impression. The project is an autobiographical epic, a reflection on a closed social system, the arduous labor of man, his humility, and silent protest simultaneously. Minin’s first solo exhibition at the gallery was divided into two parts: the main hall and the Art Basement, where the artist presented his own salvation scheme – an “escape plan” from Donetsk, his hometown.

The miners, depicted with exhausted, mournful faces, often in a crude and even grotesque manner, were received by viewers with mixed reactions. For instance, in 2008, an exhibition in the Donetsk Regional State Administration building was banned immediately after its opening.

In Kharkiv, Minin’s work was accepted and understood, and his paintings on the mining theme brought him nationwide popularity.

In addition to paintings illustrating the work of miners and scenes from their lives, the artist presented sketches of sarcophagi for “Donetsk pharaohs” – wealthy residents of the region. The artist suggested that wealthy locals buy the slag heaps from the state and build tombs for themselves. “This way, their lavish funerals can become a work of contemporary art,” Minin suggested.

https://mgallery.kharkov.ua/2011-vystvka-plan-pobihu-z-donetskoi-oblasti-romana-mynina/