Kamianets-Podilskiy Fortress
The first record of this fortress dates back to 1374, but in fact, the first fortifications appeared here probably as early as the 11th century. Then the castle went through as many as 14 periods, when different owners actively built and rebuilt it. In the middle of the 16th century, the castle took its modern appearance.
Now the building is surrounded by high walls and has 11 brick towers, each being unique and having its own history. For example, the Pope Tower construction was financed by Pope Julius II in 1515. The fortress is surrounded by rocky cliffs and the Smotrych River on three sides. To further strengthen the defense capability, another was built behind the old stone castle with earth ramparts and ditches designed to protect against artillery.
The Kamianets-Podilskiy Fortress performed its specific function more than once, but during all these centuries it was conquered only twice – first by the Mongol-Tatars and then the Ottomans. The semi-legendary story about the Turks' march to Kamianets-Podilskiy in 1621 is the best evidence of the castle's might. Sultan Osman II arrived with a huge army, but was so impressed by the fortress that he asked: “Who built such an amazing castle?” His servant, impressed no less than the Sultan, allegedly replied: “Probably, Allah himself!” Osman II replied, “Well, then let Allah conquer it!” – and withdrew the troops.
The times when the fortress was impregnable and inaccessible have long passed. Now any tourist can enter it. The complex is included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is one of the 7 Wonders of Ukraine.
VARIÁT
VARIÁT is the new experimental project of Ukrainian multimedia artist Dmytro Fedorenko. Through dissonant noise poetry, corrosive synthesis, and subtle seeds of interiority and folk song, VARIÁT creates a sound world of austere urban psychedelia, invoking themes of primitivism and mysticism within the volatile currents of a contemporary digital era. Conceived in 2020 as a provocative creative outlet, VARIÁT is founded on ideas of transgression, reinvention, and liberation, the consequence of observing prescribed artistic boundaries and pursuing new depths of aesthetic freedom.
Dmytro Fedorenko – multidisciplinary artist, one of the early and most active pioneers of Ukrainian experimental electronic music scene, responsible for a huge number of highly acclaimed experimental music projects, festivals, and art events in his home country. Since more than 20 years creates electronic music and sound art under name Kotra. In 2020 Dmytro created his new music entity Variát. A part of an experimental sci-fi band Cluster Lizard, created together with Zavoloka.
Dmytro Fedorenko is also the founder and producer of his label Kvitnu, and a co-founder of art label Prostir and I Shall Sing Until My Land Is Free.
In parallel to music, Dmytro is expanding his experiments in the fields of video, photography, and abstract painting. These paintings and photos were used as album covers for Dmytro’s music albums as well as for numerous releases of other artists.
Besides music and visual artworks, in the past Dmytro also curated numerous International art projects, produced concerts and festivals Kvitnu Fest and Detali Zvuku, read lectures and masterclasses, participated in many projects.