Steph Krawchuk: A Common Thread

In the months leading up to the exhibition, Krawchuk immersed herself in the museum’s collection, exploring meaningful connections between historical Ukrainian artefacts and her contemporary artistic practice. As a result, this show brings together newly created works alongside selected textiles and pysanky from the museum’s collection.

In particular, Krawchuk was drawn to artefacts defined by bold colour and simple geometric forms. These qualities closely reflect her own modernist aesthetic. Although these textiles and pysanky originate from Ukraine, they resonate strongly with contemporary abstraction, demonstrating a shared visual language across time.

Ultimately, A Common Thread emphasizes how pattern, colour, and form can transcend geographic and historical boundaries. Through this lens, Krawchuk’s work reveals the enduring relevance of Ukrainian folk art while also underscoring a universal human connection to beauty, rhythm, and design. / www.stephkrawchuk.com

Introducing the Museum’s Artist-in-Residence Program! 

We are thrilled to announce the launch of an Artist-in-Residence Program at the Ukrainian Museum of Canada. Rooted in the belief that art is a powerful catalyst for learning and innovation, this program is dedicated to fostering dynamic conversations between contemporary artists of diverse backgrounds and the rich cultural heritage preserved within our permanent collection.

Guided by the principles of collaboration, exploration, and inclusivity, the Artist-in-Residence Program invites artists to draw inspiration from our collection, which boasts over 10,000 artifacts and serves as a treasure trove of Ukrainian and Ukrainian Canadian cultural history. From textiles to ceramics, pysanky, fine and folk art, our diverse range of cultural objects provides artists with a rich palette for creating new, inspiring, and sometimes provocative works.

Our residencies are designed for local and regional artists, who can work around their existing schedules. Our goal is to create a program that reflects and contributes to the artistic vitality of our immediate community, fostering connections between the Museum and the vibrant artistic ecosystem in our region.

Through the Artist-in-Residence Program, we aspire to bridge the gap between tradition and contemporary expression, honoring the past while embracing the present and future. This initiative envisions a space where artists can push the boundaries of their creativity, experiment with new ideas, and contribute to the evolving narrative of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada.

Photos by Carey Shaw.