Kateryna Bilokur
Discover the Ukrainian folk artist whose captivating works have enchanted art enthusiasts worldwide
Kateryna Bilokur by Self-portrait. Copyright © 2020 · Totallyhistory.com · All Rights Reserved.CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy
Drawing inspiration from folk song lyrics, fairy tales, and legends, Bilokur skillfully recreated the enchanting realm of folk art, seamlessly integrating it into her perspective. When she painted en plein air, her imagination created vivid plant elements, blossoming on canvas.
However, Kateryna's life was not as picturesque and far more demanding than the world of her paintings. Her parents didn't support her love for painting and often forbade her to do it. People from her village shared this attitude towards the artist. At that time, the traditional patriarchal view on the role of women still prevailed. So others were wary of Kateryna being interested in painting but not having a husband and a family.
Kateryna Bilokur by © Arthive, 2023CFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy
Kateryna also tried entering art schools several times but was rejected due to incomplete basic education. Still, she pursued her career as an artist despite all obstacles. Her first solo exhibition showcasing 11 paintings took place at the Poltava Folk Art Centre in 1940.
Kateryna Bilokur never underwent formal art education. She was a self-taught artist who gleaned painting techniques through careful observation of the natural world and her surroundings. Her first teacher, who showed her the technical peculiarities of painting, was Ivan Kalyta, a local amateur artist from Kateryna's home village.
Kateryna Bilokur by about the Kateryna Bilokur Museum on the Anga Travel websiteCFC Big Ideas in association with the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy
Kateryna's works gradually gained recognition. In 1954, some of her pieces were shown at the International Exhibition in Paris. Pablo Picasso, captivated by Bilokur's works, remarked: "If we had a painter with skills like that, we would make the whole world talk about her!"
Bilokur primarily painted scenes depicting Ukrainian nature, peasant life, and rituals. She captured the richness of Ukrainian culture and folk traditions.
Watermelon, Carrots, Flowers (1951) by Kateryna BilokurNational Museum of Decorative Arts of Ukraine
Kateryna Bilokur is now a representative figure of naïve art in Ukraine, and her creations continue to hold a meaningful place in the country's cultural heritage. Her works are unique, characterized by a distinctive energy and emotional intensity.
Kateryna Bilokur immortalized the charm of rural life on her canvases through naïve artistry. Her intricately detailed and vividly colored works became a testament to her creative spirit and the timeless allure of Ukraine's cultural heritage.
Based on text by Kateryna Nosko
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:
©2001 All Rights Reserved. Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies
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