Lecture 1: Ukrainian Artists in the Vanguard

In traditional narratives of art history, Ukrainian artists are often subsumed into the arts of the Russian empire. But in fact, many of these artists either self-identified as Ukrainian or drew explicitly from their Ukrainian heritage in their pursuit of innovative artistic styles.

This first lecture features Ukrainian artists including Aleksandra Ekster, artist, teacher, organizer and theatre designer; Oleksandr Bohomazov, “the Ukrainian Picasso”; and Kazimir Malevich, founder of Suprematism and a cornerstone for abstraction in Modern art. These and other Ukrainian artists were instrumental in the foundation and fluorescence of the artistic avant-garde in the early 20th century.

About the Ukrainian Avant-garde Lecture Series: The Ukrainian Museum of Canada is pleased to present a three-part lecture series by University of Saskatchewan art history instructor John Koenig, highlighting the creativity, inspiration, and leadership of Ukrainian artists in the first half of the 20th century. Time: 39:24 Lecture and video by John Koenig. Presented by the Ukrainian Museum of Canada.

Stay tuned for “The Ukrainian Avant-garde” Parts 2 and 3!