Vienna Hosts Major Exhibition of Ukrainian Master Ivan Marchuk
One of the largest international exhibitions of Ukrainian art has opened in Austria’s capital, showcasing the genius of Ivan Marchuk — a living legend of contemporary painting, The Gaze reports, citing Ukrinform.
The exhibition features around 400 of Marchuk’s most iconic works, spanning all 15 of his artistic cycles. From haunting Ukrainian landscapes to surrealist dreamscapes, the event immerses visitors in the mind of a master who has painted over 5,000 works during a career spanning more than 70 years.
The opening gala on Friday evening drew over 500 guests, including members of the Ukrainian diaspora, Austrian and international art lovers, diplomats, and government officials. Among them were representatives of the Austrian Foreign Ministry, Vienna’s city council, and Ukraine’s cultural community.
“Marchuk’s paintings are a unique tool of diplomacy. They speak the truth about Ukraine — its soul, its authenticity, and its beauty,” said Ukrainian Ambassador to Austria Vasyl Khymynets in his welcome address.
Regina Rusz, Director for Cultural Diplomacy at Austria’s Foreign Ministry, also underscored the importance of cultural exchange:
“In difficult times like these, the role of art and culture is more vital than ever. I will do everything in my power to support Ukrainian artists and scholars.”
A highlight of the exhibition is its immersive format — select artworks “come alive” through animated projections synchronized with music, adding depth to Marchuk’s emotional storytelling.
“You will see 15 different ‘Marchuks’ here,” the artist noted during the opening. “Each piece is unique in content, style, and technique. It will be a complicated but joyful conversation between you and the paintings. I created all this for you.”
Ivan Marchuk — People’s Artist of Ukraine, laureate of the Taras Shevchenko National Prize, recipient of the Order of Freedom and the President’s award National Legend of Ukraine — is a member of the “Golden Guild” of the International Academy of Contemporary Art in Rome. His work has been exhibited in over 20 countries across Europe, Asia, and North America.
Read more on The Gaze: Top 9 Most Expensive Paintings by Ukrainian Artists