Ukrainian embroidery works tell hidden story

By Kim Se-jeong

An exhibition on Ukrainian art, currently under way in Seoul, presents a variety of visually charming embroidery work by Anzhelika Rudnytska.

But the exhibition has a powerful human story.

Rudnytska was a young rising broadcast journalist and a singer.

In 2004, when she was 40, she fell as a result of an accident, which left her paralyzed from the waist down.

What began as an attempt to find a sense of direction in her life and to heal from the trauma, her embroidery work has raised her name as an artist.

Each work has a variety of colors and shapes, which can be easily recognized as she spent a considerable amount of time making it.

That explains why she has produced only 60 pieces, 20 of which came to Korea for an exhibition.

Nothing in her work seems to hint at a dark past.

“Series Rejoice, Tree Rainbow,” is so bright that one might not even assume it was done by a mature artist.

The curator of the exhibition said it was the maker’s deliberate intent to disseminate a message of hope, especially to those who’ve experienced tragedy in life.

Rudnytska is looking to hold a big solo exhibition next year in Ukraine, the curator said.

The exhibition was put out at the initiative both of Shim Sil, the president of Ukraine Culture & Art Council and the Embassy of Ukraine in Seoul. Also, Korea Integrated Cultural Society, sponsor a private organization promoting cultural diversity, was involved as a sponsor.

The Korea Integrated Cultural Society, a private organization promoting cultural diversity, was involved as a sponsor.

For Ukraine, the event comes as a special celebration that marks the 20th anniversary of independence from the former Soviet Union.

For Korea and Ukraine, the venue celebrates 19 years of diplomatic relations.

Also featured in the exhibition are the works of renowned sculptor Volodymyr Filatov.

Filatov, who is in his late 50s, focuses on molding human bodies out of bronze.

One of interesting sculptures was one of English singer John Lennon done in 1995, commemorating his death.

Another sculpture, entitled “High Do,” now appears in a school textbook, a decision made in 2004 both by Poland and Ukraine. Nine of his sculptures are on display.

For both artists, Korea isn’t new ground.

They came here last year to attend the World Master Festival in Yeosu, South Gyeongsang Province.

A tour of the exhibition hall ends with a small section where photos showcase important Ukrainian holidays, such as Orthodox Christmas on Jan. 7.

The exhibition is open through March 16. The venue, Gallery Yianjae is located in Seongbuk-dong.

For more information about the exhibition and the location of the gallery, call (02) 743-3770.