The Yarmolenkos: Ukrainian Naive Art Dynasty
Two generations painting the soul of Ukraine. Explore the vibrant world of Panas and Yakylyna Yarmolenko.
Father & Daughter
The story of Ukrainian naive art cannot be told without mentioning Panas and Yakylyna Yarmolenko — a unique artistic lineage that spans 2 generations and reflects the soul of rural Ukraine through a deeply personal, intuitive lens.
Panas Yarmolenko's Early Life
Panas Yarmolenko was born in 1886 in the village of Mala Karatul in the Kyiv region. His parents were peasants and had 1 ha of land, which the whole family worked on. The couple had 5 children, 3 of whom died. During World War I, Panas and his brother Arkhyp served in the army.
Flirting (20th Century) by Yakylyna YarmolenkoMykola Babak Foundation
Panas & Ulyana
In 1917, while at home on vacation, Panas Yarmolenko married Ulyana, age 21.
They lived in one house with Panas's parents, his brother Arkhyp and brother's family, including a wife and 4 children. Together, Panas and Ulyana had two daughters, Yakylyna and Galya.
Panas Yarmolenko's Artistic Development
Panas Yarmolenko honed his craft in Pereyaslav before teaching drawing. His most productive period, from 1932-1945, saw him create landscapes, genre scenes, icons, and portraits, reflecting a diverse artistic range.
Yaryna. For a War (20th Century) by Yakylyna YarmolenkoMykola Babak Foundation
Yakylyna Yarmolenko
Born in 1918, Yakylyna Yarmolenko displayed a natural talent for drawing. She supported her father, Panas, by adding details like flowers and decorative elements to his works. Her most popular subject was "Yaryna." It depicts a farewell between a girl and a soldier on horseback.
Panas Yarmolenko's Portraits
Until the early 20th c., portrait painting in Ukraine was largely confined to noble and urban families. Panas Yarmolenko broadened the tradition, creating single, paired and group portraits of relatives and fellow villagers. The portraits he created often resemble photographs.
Family (20th Century) by Panas YarmolenkoMykola Babak Foundation
Ukrainian Naive Art
Ukrainian naive art is a unique phenomenon. Naive artists, exemplified by artists like Panas and Yakylyna Yarmolenko, exist outside academic norms. Their art is characterized by sincerity, emotionality, and decorative richness, compensating for a lack of classical technique.
The author of the story is Veronika Ganiechko (Mykola Babak Foundation)
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