The exhibition “Opanas Zalyvakha. Who Are We?” opens in Lviv

The Ukrainian Sixtiers are a true example of courage, patriotism, and, most importantly, the power of art in the fight against the Soviet totalitarian system. Unfortunately, many prominent figures and their works remain unknown to the general public. To get acquainted with the Ukrainian Sixtiers movement, we invite you to visit the exhibition “Opanas Zalyvakha. Who are we?”, which starts this weekend in Lviv.

Who is Opanas Zalyvakha?

Opanas Zalyvakha was a 20th-century Ukrainian artist whose life was filled with both creative highs and tragic trials. His vibrant, symbolism-laden paintings, often depicting fantastic creatures and mythical worlds, became a kind of challenge to Soviet ideology. Zalyvakha was one of the brightest representatives of the Ukrainian Sixtiers movement, a group of intellectuals who sought to revive the national culture and express protest against the totalitarian regime.

However, for his openness and disagreement with the authorities, the artist was persecuted and sentenced to labor camps. Despite all the difficulties, Zalyvakha continued to create, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy.

Today, Opanas Zalyvakha’s paintings are highly valued both in Ukraine and abroad. His works have been exhibited at prestigious international exhibitions. Also his name has become a symbol of the struggle for creative freedom and Ukraine’s independence. Zalyvakha’s art is not only aesthetic pleasure but also a powerful voice that reminds us of the importance of preserving national identity and fighting for our rights.

A brief overview of the exhibition

The exhibition reveals Zalyvakha’s deep reflections on the question “Who are we?”, which accompanied the artist throughout his life. The exposition, located in two halls of the Center, consists of three thematic sections: “Lost Roots”, “Resistance in Labyrinths” and “Imperfection as a Path”.

Visitors will have a unique opportunity to see over 80 paintings and sculptural works, two-thirds of which have never been exhibited publicly before. The works come from the private collection of Zalyvakha’s family and the CIMM funds.

In addition to artworks, the exhibition is enriched with the artist’s correspondence, provided by the Central State Archive-Museum of Literature and Art of Ukraine and private archives. These documents allow for a deeper understanding of Zalyvakha’s personality and the context of his work.

The project highlights not only the creative path of an individual artist but also the broader context of the Ukrainian Sixtiers movement, the struggle for freedom of expression, and the search for national identity under a totalitarian regime. The exhibition aims to stimulate reflections on modern Ukrainian identity, the unity of the people despite differences, and the importance of consolidation in the face of external threats.

When: August 24-25, 2024

Duration: August 24 – September 27, 2024

Where: Mercury Center for Intellectual Art (10 Mickiewicz Square)

Entrance: free