By Ukrainian Institute
https://treasures.ui.org.ua/
Halyna Zubchenko (1929−2000)
In Soviet times, all art was under the pressure of communist ideology. It is not inherent in Halyna Zubchenko's works, however. She sought her own style and invented a visual language that is hers only. Every work by Zubchenko is like a sign.
Young artist
The artist's childhood was a time of industrialization in Ukraine. Сhurches were being destroyed, peasants died of starvation, and people in the cities disappeared forever after being arrested by the secret police. Two of Zubchenko's grandfathers suffered from repressions.
Spring by Halyna ZubchenkoUkrainian Institute
In love with the Carpathians
After World War II, Halyna studied at the Kyiv State Art Institute. She spent her summer practice in the Carpathians where she fell in love with the mountains, the architecture and life of the locals—Hutsuls (an ethnographic group of Ukrainians living in western Ukraine).
Sketch of stained glass painting for cafe design by Halyna ZubchenkoUkrainian Institute
CreativeYouth Club
In 1962, Halyna Zubchenko joined the Kyiv Creative Youth Club that brought together progressive artists, writers and scientists. At that time, she decided to dedicate herself to Ukrainian monumental art.
The legend of fidelity by Halyna ZubchenkoUkrainian Institute
Stained Glass
In 1964, together with a group of artist friends, Halyna created a stained glass window "Shevchenko. Mother" in the main building of Kyiv University. This image infuriated officials. The stained glass window was destroyed and its authors were persecuted.
Mosaic panels
Until the early 1980s, Halyna Zubchenko created mosaics on facades of public buildings, first with her husband and then independently after his death. In Kyiv, her works can be seen on the walls of the Nauka sports complex, the Institute of Nuclear Research and others.
Portrait of a girl with a man by Halyna ZubchenkoUkrainian Institute
Collection
In 1985 the artist returned to the Carpathians and started painting again after a long break. Zubchenko's works can be found in many museums in Ukraine as well as in the United States, Canada, Argentina, Japan, Australia, Germany, and Croatia.
Photos of the artworks and photo of artist were provided by the Museum of the Sixties as part of an online project "60's. The Lost Treasures"
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