Pysanky: Icons of the Universe (Colour)

Icons of the Universe: Colour is the second installment in a series of three shows celebrating the landmark 1977 book Pysanka: Icon of the Universe by Mary Tkachuk, Marie Kishchuk, and Alice Nicholaichuk. Building on the Ukrainian Museum of Canada’s 2023 exhibition, Icons of the Universe: Symbology, our latest exhibition invites audiences to explore the cultural meanings of the colours that adorn pysanky. It explores the origins of traditional dyes, showcasing the ancient techniques and plants that are still used to this day.

Drawing on the Museum’s extensive pysanky collection, including recent acquisitions, this exhibition highlights the significance and magic behind the colour choices made by pysanky writers.