Our museum continues the “Cheers!” project, which was launched last year and is dedicated to anniversary artists whose works are preserved in our collection. The KhRAM collection is a unique and integral part of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. Researching, preserving, and popularizing it is our strategically important mission—especially during times of war, when we fight for our freedom and identity.
“Zoya was my first love, and the Carpathians my second,” Vadym Odainyk once confessed. This is not merely a phrase—it embodies the essence of his being, a source of inspiration and strength. The Hutsul region, with its unparalleled landscapes, traditions, customs, and unique culture, as well as its people who deeply love their land—just like Odainyk’s beloved wife Zoya—forever captivated the sensitive heart of the artist.
“His Carpathians are not about ethnography or exoticism, not tender lyricism or playful bravado, not secrecy or mysticism—they are a world where the feeling of genuine joy from discovering oneself and one’s heart materializes.” — Myroslava Krat, art manager.
The period of Khrushchev’s “Thaw” (late 1950s to mid-1960s) was marked by a departure from the rigid Stalinist system, some improvement in political and cultural life, and limited attempts to reform the economy. During this time, there emerged a general trend of paying attention to national culture. Yet it didn’t last long—persecution of cultural figures resumed, often with fabricated accusations of nationalism. Despite this, throughout his artistic career, Odainyk continued to paint works on Carpathian themes.
His artistic legacy includes portraits, landscapes, and themed compositions. He skillfully uses color palettes and constructs strong compositions, with traces of Impressionist influence. His subjects are ordinary people: their daily tasks, celebrations, and leisure. He captures mood brilliantly—whether festive, solemn, or working. In his portraits, Odainyk not only conveys likeness, but also masterfully reveals psychological depth and inner worlds.
The graphic piece shown at the exhibition is a sketch of a model for a themed Carpathian painting. Unfortunately, it’s unclear which exact painting it was intended for—but the sketch is a testament to how meticulously the artist approached and reflected on the details of future works. The sketch can be perceived as a standalone artwork, highlighting Odainyk’s extraordinary mastery.
Reference:
Vadym Ivanovych Odainyk (29.07.1925, Odesa – 21.12.1984, Kyiv) – painter and graphic artist. WWII veteran, tank mechanic, multiple injuries, decorated with military honors.
1941 – graduated from the Republican Art School named after T. Shevchenko
1952 – graduated from Kyiv Art Institute; teachers: Serhii Hryhoriev, Kostiantyn Yelevа, Illia Shtilman, Volodymyr Kostetskyi, Mykhailo Sharonov, Serhii Yezhykovskyi
From 1953 – participant of art exhibitions
From 1958 – member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine
1975 – laureate of the Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine for his genre paintings
1978 – Honored Artist of Ukraine
Family: Wife – Zoya Odainyk-Samoylenko, Honored Artist of Ukraine
Son – Serhii Odainyk, Honored Artist of Ukraine
Daughter – Oksana Odainyk, People’s Artist of Ukraine
Granddaughters – artists Kateryna Dvoiehlazova and Dariia Odainyk
One artwork by Odainyk is preserved in the museum’s collection.
Volodymyr Mykolaiovych Kostetskyi (28.08.1905, Holmiv village, Chernihiv region – 26.05.1968, Kyiv) – painter and educator
Corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Arts (1967)
Honored Artist of Ukraine (1960)
WWII veteran, decorated
Studied art under Andronyk Lazarchuk (6 of his works are in the museum’s collection)
From 1927 – participant of exhibitions
1928 – graduated from Kyiv Art Institute; teachers: Mykhailo Boichuk, Fedir Krychevskyi, Viktor Palmov
From 1937 – taught at Kyiv Art Institute, professor since 1947
Genres: themed painting, portrait, still life. His work contributed greatly to the development of genre painting in the 1930s and post-war years, blending socialist realism principles with humanistic values. His pieces are marked by psychological depth, compositional harmony, tonal richness, and masterful chiaroscuro.
Ten of his works are in the museum’s collection.
Serhii Oleksiiovych Hryhoriev (22.06.1910, Luhansk – 09.04.1988, Kyiv) – painter and graphic artist
1932 – graduated from Kyiv Art Institute
From 1933 – participant of exhibitions
From 1934 – taught at the drawing department of Kyiv Art Institute; professor (1947–1960); rector (1951–1955)
From 1950 – headed a painting workshop
From 1958 – led creative workshops at the institute (later Academy of Arts)
Laureate of Stalin Prizes (1950, 1951)
Full member of the USSR Academy of Sciences (1958)
People’s Artist of the USSR (1974)
Family: Wife – Liubov Hryhorieva-Steletska, artist
Daughters – artists Halyna and Maia Hryhorieva (Maia was also wife of artist Viktor Zaretskyi)
Grandchildren – artists Ivan Hryhoriev, Olha Hutsu
Hryhoriev’s work reflects Impressionist influence. Despite the constraints of socialist realism, he expressed dramatic and psychological themes, capturing the essence of childhood purity and emotional richness shaped by deep reflection.
Seven of his works are preserved in the museum’s collection.
(Biographical information from the Encyclopedia of Modern Ukraine)
