The art of iconography spans over a thousand years in Ukraine and perhaps is the most important form of art that reflects the cultural identity and national heritage of Ukraine. The icons help consolidate the nation by conveying Christian faith that united the often politically divided country. For the last seventeen years, Ukraine has been re-building its identity and working on preserving its cultural history. The Foundation is cooperating with the PLATAR Foundation in Kyiv to present a broader and more accurate picture of Ukraine’s cultural heritage by producing an exhibit of spiritual and national treasures in the U.S.

The exhibit will be drawn principally from the collection of the National Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra Historic-Cultural Preserve, and augmented by works from other Ukrainian collections. The Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra, also known as the Monastery of Caves, has been a preeminent center of Eastern Orthodox Christianity and an inspiration for Ukrainian icon masters. Currently, holding over 3500 icons and other religious items, this is one of the most extensive collections of icons and other religious relics in Ukraine.

During much of its early history, Ukraine’s borders were open to the East and the West. Byzantine Orthodox and Catholic tendencies mixed with the Renaissance and Baroque styles. Over the centuries, Ukrainian iconography was influenced by a host of different cultural influences—Russian, Greek, Catholic to mention just a few.

While changing outside influences have had a direct impact on the evolution of Ukrainian icon painting, domestic trends and circumstances also played a role. Although most of the themes for icon painting were taken from the Bible and canons of the church, many icons had folklore and legends as their basis and were supplemented at times with floral designs, making Ukrainian icons truly unique.

The dominant feature within Ukrainian icons is the use of three colors: blue representing Christian love and forgiveness, red for Martyrdom, and gold for Paradise. Folk art traditions had an abiding impact on iconography, represented by rich brightness, colorful ornamentation, a spirit of truthfulness, and simple-heartedness. Finally, Ukrainian icons are reflective of a conceptual optimism by craftsmen that dates back to the Renaissance and their deep-rooted sense of Harmony.

The proposed exhibition will trace the history of Ukrainian icons and shifting influences. It will present 80-100 objects, which, in addition to the icons, will include some truly exceptional chalices, crucifixes, silver icon covers, and examples of embroidery and textiles dating between the 11th and 20th centuries.

With the rebirth of political independence, Ukraine’s cultural and religious history has taken on added significance. FIAE recently produced an exhibition focused on the Ukrainian avant-garde. This exhibition will continue that work by highlighting the history and content of Ukrainian icons and presenting a uniquely “Ukrainian” approach to iconography.

While a significant number of exhibitions have exposed American audiences to Russian iconography, there is little knowledge in the West of Ukrainian traditions. This exhibition is intended to fill that gap.