Return to the homeland

The landscape paintings, portraits, and graphics by a group of artists known as “the Ukrainian Parisians” — Oleksa Hryshchenko, Borys Pastukhov, Vasyl Khmeliuk, and Mykola Vaker — have brought excitement to the Ukrainian capital. An exhibit of these paintings was held in fall 2006 at the Lviv Art Gallery, where it caused a real sensation.

The unveiling of the artists’ works in Kyiv took place at the National Art Museum of Ukraine. “We are carrying out Mykola Vaker’s last will and testament. He wanted very much to have his paintings exhibited in Ukraine after his death,” said curator Oksana Kozynkevych, who emphasized that although these well-known painters of genius were forced to leave their Fatherland and experience the hard life of emigres, they remained in love with their native land. “Their works are purifying us,” she said.

Art historian Oleksandr Fedoruk noted that collecting Ukrainian artists’ works is a sign of the times, and those who do so deserve society’s respect. “Among such patriotically-minded people are Oksana and Yurii Tsvenhrish. Today, through their own art collection they are introducing the works of those internationally renowned masters of the Ukrainian Parisian School. These artists contributed significantly to the promotion of Ukrainian art all over the world. They cared for its prestige and added many positive things to the all-European art movement: first of all they struggled jointly for the high ideals of the school of painting.”

At the end of the opening night, which was attended by contemporary artists, art lovers, and journalists, four candles were lit, one for each of the represented artists.

OPINION

Anatolii MELNYK , Director of the National Art Museum

We were waiting impatiently for this exhibit. Now we have the possibility to see works that are held in private collections. Not every collector is eager to exhibit his acquisitions. Projects like this are important for our museum as well as Ukraine. These are artists of Ukrainian descent who lived in Germany, France, and America, but constantly dreamed that their works would be returned to their native land. Today their dreams are coming true.