Contemporary Ukrainian Folk Art: The Matrix of Resilience
Folk art is a powerful testament of cultural self-determination and the right of a nation to exist. Despite Ukraine’s tumultuous history and the systematic cultural genocide inflicted by colonial authoritarian regimes, seeds of hope have continued to germinate among artists. When Ukraine became independent in 1991, a cultural renaissance sprouted and flourished. Today, with the current, always shifting war, Ukrainian folk art is fighting for its survival again. In this exhibition, we present a unified matrix of artworks—Pysanky, embroidery, paintings, and ceramics—and their vibrating energy overcoming darkness.
Pysanky
With every intricately decorated Ukrainian Easter egg, the ancient and modern worlds intertwine. The word pysanka comes from the Ukrainian verb pysaty, which means “to write.” Some historians date this egg-decorating tradition as far back as Paleolithic times, when pre-pysanky “eggs” were made of stone, clay, and bone. Traditional pysanky are made using the wax-resist method, similar to batik, and feature geographically distinct designs and symbols. The contemporary technique uses wax and vinegar to create three-dimensional relief designs–an interpretation of cultural heritage in current times.
Cossack embroideries
The rectangular shape of traditional Ukrainian embroidered fabric symbolizes life’s journey. Embroidery decorates household items and clothing and is used in religious and ceremonial events such as weddings and funerals. The long Cossack embroideries are emblematic of the Zaporizhzhya region, which is historically known as a stronghold of Ukrainian Cossacks. The word Cossack means “free man.” While the making of Cossack embroideries was suppressed during past totalitarian regimes, the practice has been given new life over the last three decades by the skilled craftswomen of Zaporizhzhya. However, as the sound of aerial shelling continues in the region, this folk art tradition is threatened once again.
Petrykivka painting
This ornamental style was traditionally used by women of the Dnipro region of Ukraine to decorate their huts and everyday household items with inks they made from vegetable juices. According to folk legends, painted objects had protective power and guarded the home and its inhabitants against evil spirits and disasters. The wood-burning oven, used for making bread, was given special attention when decorating because it was a source of family sustenance. An essential tool in creating the detailed Petrykivka motifs is the kotyachka paintbrush, which is handmade from the fine fur of cats. Because traditional Petrykivka paintings include the colors of the sun’s spectrum, each one naturally radiates life and joy.
Crimean-Tatar ceramics
The folk art of Crimea is a patchwork of fragile memories and archival finds. Ethnic Crimean Tatars were uprooted and deported by Soviet authorities in the 1940s. Over the last quarter-century, efforts to revive their artistic traditions and cultural soul have created a beacon of hope. The ceramic works in this exhibition contain a plethora of symbols with encoded messages about the past, present, and future of Crimean Tatars.
In Contemporary Ukrainian Folk Art: The Matrix of Resilience, we invite you to explore a vibrant legacy of strength and optimism. Rooted in ancestral memory, these works of art project hope for a bright and colorful future.
— Sophia Sushailo, curator
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Sophia Sushailo grew up in the Ivano-Frankivsk region of Ukraine, which is renowned for the arts and culture of the Hutsuls—ethnic mountain highlanders. She witnessed the cultural renaissance of Ukrainian folk art that occurred after the fall of the repressive Soviet Union. Now, with the war in Ukraine, she has expanded her ethnographic portfolio,advocating for folk art and artists who steward the cultural heritage of her entire country. Sushailo lives in New Hampshire and curates and designs folk art exhibitions and workshops throughout New England.
ACCESSIBILITY NOTICE
This exhibit is located in the Ticket Gallery, which is on a raised platform off of the main gallery. To access the Ticket Gallery, guests need to go up five shallow steps with a railing.
RELATED EVENTS
March 22, Saturday, 5 p.m. — Opening of Six New Exhibits
April 5, Saturday, 11 a.m. & 2 p.m. — Workshop: The Art of Pysanky
May 17, Saturday, 2:30 p.m. — Art Talk: Live from Ukraine
RELATED RESOURCES
Installation views (coming soon)
Video -“Folk Art, War, and Resistance” Featuring Tetyana Konoval, Rustem Skybin, Hanna Oliynyk, Sophia Sushailo, and Sarah Stinson
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