The color of traditions

The Dnipropetrovsk region has sent its delegation to UNESCO headquarters in Paris where an exhibit “Petrykivka painting: the color of a tradition” will open soon.

The bus tour across Europe by the participants, masters of Petrykivka-style painting, bandurists, and journalists, will last for over two weeks. The bus painted in Petrykivka style apart from Paris will also stop in the cities of the Czech Republic and Poland where local residents will have an opportunity to see the works of Petrykivka masters. “Petrykivka decorative painting has become a bright page of the history of Ukrainian people’s culture. The names of our folk craftsmen from Petrykivka are long known far beyond Ukraine,” said Deputy Head of Dnipropetrovsk Oblast Council Anatolii Adamsky, “Therefore the participation in international events of such a high level is extremely important for Dnipropetrovsk region. Petrykivka is one of the few places where the traditions of old-time crafts are carefully preserved. Therefore the main purpose of the exhibit “Petrykivka painting: the color of a tradition” is to show how the traditions of our craftsmen are inherited, like cultural values of Petrykivka are passed on from generation to generation.

Praguewas the first stop on the way to Paris. Here the Petrykivka painters gave a folk painting master class which evoked interest among the artistic community of the city. “Czechs take a great interest in all kinds of authentic things, folk crafts, and folk art in all of its manifestations. I think after getting to know the craft of Petrykivka masters many residents of the Czech Republic will come up with a desire to get to know deeper this unique kind of painting,” says attache on culture at the Ukrainian Embassy Yu. Klochko.

In Paris the works of Petrykivka masters will be on display for four days. This event is dedicated to the tenth anniversary of the Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (UNESCO), as well as boosting tourism attractions of the Dnipropetrovsk oblast. A total of 55 Petrykivka-style works will be presented at the exhibit. The masters of folk painting who will show the unique technique of the ancient painting include famous people, such as Valentyna Panko, and also 6-year-old Mariika Davydova who is only at the beginning of her creative path. The residents of Paris and other cities of the EU countries will also see the samples of Ukrainian traditional clothing and embroidery.