Taras Lachowsky: Vikna Project Saskatoon

Visible from Spadina Crescent, The Vikna Project Saskatoon transforms the front windows of the Ukrainian Museum of Canada into a luminous work of art. Created by artist Taras Lachowsky of Guelph, Ontario, the installation was completed in 2023 with support from the City of Saskatoon’s Cultural Capital grant and has become a defining feature of the museum’s exterior. 

The word vikna means “windows” in Ukrainian—an apt name for this radiant, multi-panel installation that bridges interior and exterior, tradition and innovation. Lachowsky, a Canadian artist of Ukrainian heritage, draws from deep cultural roots and reimagines traditional motifs through a contemporary lens. His work is inspired by Ukrainian paper cutting (vytynanky), embroidery (vyshyvky), and Easter egg-writing (pysanky), all expressed in vibrant colours and intricate, layered patterns. 

Each window tells a story. Lachowsky’s imagery reflects a constellation of Ukrainian symbols and ideas—from the circle as a sign of continuity and the protective motanka amulet doll, to the charm of ceramic patterns and the mystery of gardens at dusk. His designs evoke the concept of windows as portals to the soul—connecting the ancient and the cosmic, the visible and the spiritual, the heritage of a people and the hope of renewal. 

Installed as part of a broader revitalization of the museum’s grounds and streetscape, The Vikna Project Saskatoon embodies the museum’s commitment to celebrating Ukrainian culture in ways that feel both timeless and alive. The windows stand as a welcoming beacon, inviting all who pass by to pause, reflect, and step inside to discover the stories within.