When I reflect on the fact that 20 years have passed since the opening of the First Private Museum of Ukrainian Contemporary Art, I can hardly believe how quickly time flies. What began as a personal passion for Ukrainian art has grown into something far greater—a space that preserves the soul of our nation, inspires generations, and tells the world about Ukraine’s creative spirit. This journey has been filled with challenges, joy, and discoveries, and I want to share with you how my love for art became a museum, why this mission matters, and where we are headed next.
A Passion That Became a Calling
My fascination with art began many years ago when I first encountered the works of Ukrainian artists. Each piece—from abstract canvases to detailed landscapes—carried something unique: an emotion, a story, a piece of the artist’s soul. I started collecting these works not with the idea of building a collection, but because they moved me, made me think, and carried a distinctive energy. Each piece I found felt like a dialogue with the artist, a way to understand our culture more deeply.
Over time, I realized these works couldn’t remain confined to my walls. They belonged not to me, but to Ukraine, its people, and its future. That’s how the idea for the museum was born. On June 17, 2005, the Museum of Contemporary Art of Ukraine opened its doors. It was not just a museum, but a place where art could live, breathe, and connect with everyone who crossed its threshold. My passion became a calling—to preserve these works and share them with the world.
I don’t have favorites among the works. Every painting, sculpture, or graphic piece in the collection is a distinct voice that deserves to be heard. They are different but equally valuable, each carrying a unique message, reflecting our history, struggles, joys, or pain. This collection is not just a gathering of objects; it’s a living artistic chronicle of Ukraine.
Why Ukrainian Art Must Be Preserved
Ukrainian art is more than aesthetics—it’s our identity. It tells the story of who we were, who we are, and who we can become. From 17th-century icons to the experimental works of contemporary artists, each era in our collection reflects the spirit of its time, the fight for freedom, and the love for our homeland. In times when Ukraine faces the trials of war, preserving this art becomes even more critical. It’s our way of telling the world: we exist, we are creative, we are unbreakable.
When I look at the works in the museum’s collection, I see not just colors or forms, but the voices of artists who often created under censorship, restrictions, or even persecution. Many of these works could have been lost if they hadn’t found a home in the museum. Preserving them is not just about physical safekeeping; it’s about passing on their meaning to future generations, so young people can feel pride in their culture. Each piece is a testament to our resilience, and I believe we have a duty to protect these voices from being forgotten.
Promoting Ukrainian art is both our responsibility and our passion, as it is the voice of a nation that deserves to be heard worldwide. I believe art should be accessible to everyone—from schoolchildren to researchers—and we work tirelessly to make this dream a reality, uniting people and inspiring new generations.
The Challenges of War and the Power of Art
The past few years, especially since the start of the full-scale war, have been a true test. The war has touched us all, and the museum is no exception. We’ve faced safety concerns, logistical difficulties, and the need to adapt to new realities. Currently, we operate from the Museum Residence at 44-a Yevhena Konovaltsia Street in Kyiv, awaiting the chance to return to our spacious halls. Yet, even in these dark times, art remains our light.
The war has reminded us how fragile culture can be, but it has also shown its strength. Art has become a way for many Ukrainians to process pain, find hope, and preserve their identity. Our exhibitions, even in a smaller format, continue to draw attention, and the children’s drawings created in our competitions speak to the resilience of the younger generation.
These challenges have only strengthened my belief that art is not a luxury, but a necessity. It heals, unites, and reminds us what we are fighting for. Every work in our collection is a small act of resistance, proclaiming: we will not give up, we will preserve our culture, we will endure.
Love for Art and a Vision for the Future
For me, every work in the museum is like a child, loved equally. I can’t single out one painting or sculpture because each has its own story, voice, and value. Some works stun with their boldness, others with their emotional depth, and others with their delicate craftsmanship. Together, they form a mosaic that reflects Ukraine—complex, multifaceted, and beautiful.
The museum is not a business, and it never has been. It’s my way of giving back to Ukraine, its people, and its artists. I don’t seek profit; I seek meaning. And I find that meaning every time I see a visitor pause before a painting, reflect, and feel something new. That’s what we work for—those moments when art touches the soul.
Looking to the future, I dream that our museum will remain a place where inspiration is born, where young artists find support, and where Ukrainian art resonates globally. We are planning new exhibitions, new projects, and new ways to bring art closer to people. And I believe that, together with you—our visitors, partners, and friends—we can make this happen.
Has it really been 20 years? Yes, but it’s only the beginning. Art lives as long as we cherish it, and I’m grateful for every day of this journey. Thank you for being with us. Together, we will keep this flame—the flame of Ukrainian culture—burning forever.