“Our Army, Our Protectors” (1978), gouache on paper, 61 x 86 centimeters
(1908–1997) is a self-taught folk artist known for her renderings of life in the Ukrainian countryside. Her gouache and watercolor works are vibrant and imaginative, depicting symmetrical red poppies tucked in a small vase or fantastical bull-like animals sprouting two-headed snakes. Expressive and consistently advocating for peace, Prymachenko’s paintings are widely known throughout Ukraine and internationally: she received a gold medal in 1937, when Pablo Picasso is said to have dubbed her “an artistic miracle.”
Earlier this week, Russian attacks northwest of Kyiv destroyed the Ivankiv Historical and Local History Museum, where about 25 of her works were housed. According to the , though, local residents were able to retrieve the pieces from the burning museum before they were lost entirely. The aggression subsequently for Russia to be removed from UNESCO, which declared 2009 the year of Prymachenko.
Explore more of the renowned artist’s works and history on
“May That Nuclear War Be Cursed!” (1978), gouache on paper, 61.5 x 86.3 centimeters
“A Dove Has Spread Her Wings and Asks for Peace” (1982), gouache and fluorescent paint on paper, 61.2 x 85.7 centimeters
“Ukrainian Bull, Three Years Old, Went Walking Through the Woods and Garners Strength” (1983), gouache on paper, 61.3 x 85.5 centimeters
“Red Poppies” (1982), gouache and paper, 85.7 x 61.4 centimeters
“Ivan Gave the Landlord a Ride in his Gig and Fell Inside” (1983), gouache on paper, 61.5 x 86.3 centimeters
“A Coward Went A-Hunting” (1983), gouache and paper, 61.2 x 85.7 centimeters
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