Classics and Modernity with a National Expression. Prominent Figures in the Art Fund, Archives of the UFU: A Look Through the Prism of Art
Keywords:
Ukrainian art, diaspora, Ukrainian Free University, prominent figures, modern painting, graphics, Art Fund of the Ukrainian Free UniversityAbstract
The article, based on the processing of archival sources of the Ukrainian Free University, digitalisation, restoration and arrangement of the unique art collection of the Art Fund of the Ukrainian Free University, and personal experience, for the first time comprehensively examines the gallery of prominent figures and the history of several generations of twentieth-century Ukrainian cultural emigration in Munich, whose fate and work are closely connected with the Ukrainian Free University. These are art historians and patrons of the arts, artists and historical figures who inspired them. An attempt has been made to systematise the artworks in the UFU Art Fund by artistic trends, in classical, impressionist and abstract expression with a Ukrainian accent.
The section 'Classics in the UFU Art Fund' describes the historical and artistic evolution of the UFU logo and the role of Heorhii Narbut, a pastel portrait of the first rector Oleksandr Kolessa, and priceless sketches by Ivan Trush and the problems of their restoration. Iryna Kachaniuk-Spekh's German translation of Lesya Ukrainka's Forest Song and a graphic series of illustrations by Oksana Boyko are also presented.
The section 'Modern National Painting' symbolically returned to Ukraine the names of world-famous modernist painters with a Ukrainian twist: Severin Borachok and Halyna Mazepa. The works of the brilliant futurist poet, extravagant painter, Shevchenko Prize winner Emma Andievska are especially highlighted.
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