Oleksandr Archipenko
Meet the pioneering Ukrainian sculptor and avant-garde artist whose innovative creations redefined the world of modern sculpture
Oleksandr Archipenko (1922) by Olekander Archipenko with students, Berlin, circa 1922. Image courtesy of The Archipenko Foundation.CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy
Oleksandr Archipenko, an innovative sculptor, explored diverse styles through global journeys, gaining fame as a Ukrainian artist. He founded schools in France, Germany, and the USA, leaving an indelible mark on the art world.
Archipenko is considered the first sculptor to introduce Cubism into sculpture. Archipenko's innovative approach to Cubism in sculpture had a profound influence on the trajectory of modern sculpture. His work challenged traditional notions of form, space, and representation, opening up new possibilities for artists to engage with the three-dimensional world in unconventional ways.
Oleksandr Archipenko by Alexander Archipenko working on Torso in Space, 1935; image courtesy of The Archipenko FoundationCFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy
Archipenko was a true inventor in many aspects. He started to apply quite uncommon materials, including glass, plastics, wires, pasteboard, wood, and fabrics. In his dynamic compositions, he glued three-dimensional figures to the surfaces and created "sculptural paintings".
He collaborated with many renowned artists of his time, including Pablo Picasso, Amedeo Modigliani, and others. Oleksandr Archipenko's works can be found in some of the world's most famous art museums. His impact on the development of sculpture and contemporary art is significant.
Act (1920) by Alexander ArchipenkoCFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy
Labeled bourgeois by Communists, suspected of communist messages by Americans, stigmatized by Nazi Germany, and deemed "degenerate" by artists of similar genres, in reality, Archipenko aimed to deeply explore the complex human image.
Despite his move to America, Archipenko maintained a strong sense of his Ukrainian identity. Ukrainian folk art and visual traditions had a noticeable impact on Archipenko's artistic style. His sculptures often incorporated geometric forms, bold colors, and simplified lines reminiscent of traditional Ukrainian decorative motifs. These influences contributed to the distinctive aesthetics of his work.
Text: based on text byVasyl Skakun
Original text from the album of the Prominent Ukrainians project, published jointly by Pictoric Illustrators Club, Pavlo Gudimov Ya Gallery Art Center, Artbook Publishing House and Ukraine Crisis Media Center.
Photo:
Image courtesy of The Archipenko Foundation. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
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