A Tiger Came into the Garden: The Art of Maria Prymachenko
Exhibition Dates: April 5 – July 14, 2024
Explore the captivating world of Maria Prymachenko, an iconic figure in Ukrainian art, through the exhibition “A Tiger Came into the Garden: Art of Maria Prymachenko.” This event, showcasing her works for the first time in Poland at such a scale, is a unique opportunity to delve into the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine. The exhibition features gouaches from 1982–1994, selected from the private collection of Eduard Dymshyts.
About Maria Prymachenko
Maria Prymachenko (1909–1997) spent over six decades creating art in Bolotnya, a village between Kyiv and Chernobyl. Despite surviving the Holodomor, World War II, and the Chernobyl disaster, she continued to produce art until her death. Discovered in 1935 as a folk artist, she was soon employed as an embroiderer at the Central Experimental Studio in Kyiv. Her art gained international recognition, featuring in exhibitions in Paris, Warsaw, Prague, and Sofia.
Prymachenko’s work holds significant anti-war messages, gaining renewed relevance following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The exhibition at MSN Warsaw continues efforts to promote Ukrainian culture, showcasing her resilience and creativity despite the adversities she faced.
Artistic Style and Themes
Prymachenko’s art is deeply rooted in the folk traditions of Polesia, filled with symbols and metaphors. She painted the everyday scenes of Bolotnya, transforming them with magical realism. Her distinctive bestiary includes “humanized creatures” in archaic compositions, often delivering moral messages or celebrating life’s pleasures.
Her technique evolved from watercolours to gouache, characterized by decorative lines and intense colours. Language played a crucial role in her art, with poetic titles that often elucidate her paintings or serve as dedications. The exhibition’s title reflects this, with the garden symbolizing harmonious nature and the tiger representing the mysterious and wild.
Exhibition Highlights
- Historical Context: Understand Prymachenko’s journey through significant historical events.
- Artistic Evolution: See the transition in her techniques and themes over the decades.
- Cultural Significance: Appreciate the deep-rooted folk traditions and the rich symbolism in her work.
- Anti-War Message: Explore the powerful messages against war and nuclear threats in her later works.
Practical Information
- Venue: Museum of Modern Art, Warsaw
- Tickets: Available for purchase online to avoid queues.
- Collaboration: The exhibition is made possible by cooperation with the Prymachenko Family Foundation and follows a project presented in 2022 at the Andrey Sheptytsky National Museum in Lviv.
Discover the enchanting art of Maria Prymachenko and her vision of a world where people live as harmoniously as flowers bloom.
