Archetypes and myths originally interpreted
Ivan Honchar Museum to host an art exhibit by the famous Hryhorii Kruk’s pupil
On October 14, marking Pokrova, the Protection of the Mother of God, the Ivan Honchar Museum will host an art exhibit by Cristina KYSHAKEVYCH-KATCHALUBA (Switzerland).
This painter and sculptor was born in Argentina. As an art graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, she got enrolled in the Free Ukrainian University of Munich and studied under the able guidance of Hryhorii Kruk, one of the world’s renowned sculptors. (Last year’s Grand Sculpture Salon displayed her works for the first time in Ukraine and her portrait of Kruk is stored at the National Art Museum in Kyiv.)
In 2005, Cristina defended her art doctorate entitled “Slavko Krushelnytsky’s Expressionism” at the FUU in Munich. Currently her creations are found in public and private art collections in Argentina, Canada, the United States, Spain, Germany, Switzerland, France, and Ukraine.
Critics are divided on what comes first on her agenda: paintings or sculpture. Those who insist on paintings argue that her canvases are never similar, pointing out her bold creative stand. Cristina’s creativity is not affected by her own suggestive unconventional creative energy, her synthesis of traditional and modern concepts, archetypes and myths she interprets in her own special way. Others say sculpture comes first, referring to the noted French architect and sculptor, Themistocles Virsta (born in Bukovyna), who wrote: “Although this lady paints, now and then, sculpture remains the main way of her expressing her lifelong philosophy. Her sculptures are poems dedicated to life, revealing Cristina’s experiences; they are marked by finesse and spiritual quiet. Her works demonstrate the artist’s sensitive approach. She can have a keen insight into the human essence and reveal it, alongside visual likeness.” Apparently, after exploring her art exhibit one will find oneself agreeing with both sides.
“What I prefer: painting or sculpture?” Cristina says, “These are different kinds of art and I love both; like a mother who loves her son and daughter.”
Her art exhibit will be launched on October 14 and Cristina dedicates it to the 20th anniversary of Ukraine’s national independence.
“These two decades mark a very important period during which the Soviet-brainwashed man in the Ukrainian street could turn into a citizen of another European country. This art exhibit will include portraits of our noted historical figures, among them Hetman Ivan Mazepa, Metropolitan Andrii Sheptytsky, Vasyl Lypkivsky. These personalities served as living examples of free-thinking. There will also be an icon of our Lord Jesus Christ. In fact, this work will be uppermost on the display. I love these lines from the Holy Bible: Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. This can also be interpreted as a possibility for the Ukrainians to change their mentality after returning in the embrace of their faith, their ethnic roots. After all, the flowers on my canvases grow in my flowerbeds. Also, my Swiss landscapes [Cristina lives in Cherne Montre, the French-speaking part of Switzerland. – Author], which remind one of Lord God’s unmatched creativeness in making this world.
