Fantasy animals

Maria Prymachenko’s role in Ukrainian culture cannot be overestimated. Many outstanding artists of the 20th century, in particular Pablo Picasso, admired her paintings. One of her works graces the cover of the World Encyclopedia of Naive Art, in which the artist herself is presented as one of the greatest luminaries of this art form.

Beginning in the 1960s, no major art exhibition in Ukraine could take place without Prymachenko’s art. In those years the artist was working on a series of works entitled Bringing Joy to People, which included Sunflower, Blue Flower Pot with Flowers, Firebird, Dove on a Stone, and many others. This series earned her the Shevchenko State Prize.

The titles of Prymachenko’s works reflect the folkloric and poetical underpinnings of her creativity. However, her paintings are not merely illustrations to folk songs, fairytales, and legends, but variations inspired by such folklore, which are intertwined with the artist’s reflections on life that surrounded her. Prymachenko’s entire creative heritage is permeated with elements of the traditional Ukrainian lifestyle. Many of her works contain characteristic details of embroidered shirts, Easter egg patterns, and village scenery, which is why her works are often called “an encyclopedia of the Ukrainian countryside.” In 1970 Prymachenko was honored with the title of Meritorious Artist of Ukraine, and in 1988 she was named People’s Artist of Ukraine.

“I like to draw people at work in the fields or a procession of young people, who resemble blooming poppies,” the artist once said. “I like everything living. I like to draw flowers, all sorts of birds, and forest animals. I garb them in folk garments, and in my drawings they come out looking very happy.”

The collection on display at Art Blues Gallery features 38 works from a private collection, which span a significant period in Prymachenko’s career. The earliest work in the collection, Fox and Crow, is dated 1959, and the latest, 1994. Paintings that the artist produced in her final years (1991-1994) comprise the largest number of works (17). Works from her Animal Series occupy a special place in the collection. These are absolutely unique works that have no analogues in Ukrainian or world art.

Prymachenko’s fantasy animals are a product of her imagination. The artist invested them with various missions: to serve as a warning or a call for friendship or peace. They have an amazing emotional force and imagery. The exhibit features 16 works that portray fantasy animals. The organizers of the show are now preparing a catalog of Maria Prymachenko’s works.