Formed in August 2012 in Lviv, the Open Group emerged from the collaborative efforts of six Ukrainian artists. Over the years, the composition of the group has evolved, and its current members include Yuriy Biley, Pavlo Kovach, and Anton Varga. Occasionally, they extend invitations to other artists or individuals to participate in their projects and become part of the Open Group.
The group’s creative endeavors are grounded in the exploration of interactions and communication among individuals, artists, situations, and spaces. Their artistic practice is also rooted in the examination of the concept of “collective work.” Since 2011, group members have been actively involved in managing independent art spaces, such as Detenpyla Gallery and Еfremova26 Gallery (2013-2014), in Lviv.
Open Group’s accomplishments include receiving the Special Distinction of the PinchukArtCentre Prize in 2013, followed by winning the Main Prize in 2015. Their creations garnered recognition at the Ukrainian National Pavilion during the 56th Venice Biennale. In 2016, Open Group curated the exhibition titled “Dependence Degree, Collective Practices of Young Ukrainian Artists 2000-2016” in Wrocław, Poland. Their work also featured in the Future Generation Art Prize @ Venice 2017, an event associated with the 57th Venice Biennale. Notably, in 2019, the Open Group undertook the role of curating the National Pavilion of Ukraine at the 58th La Biennale di Venezia.