Vasyl Melnyk’s Ceramic Artwork
A ceramic artwork by renowned Ukrainian artist Vasyl Melnyk, which once adorned the pool area of the Children’s City Clinical Hospital in Poltava, has been entrusted to the Vasyl Krychevsky Poltava Regional Museum for restoration and preservation. This significant piece was saved by members of the civic organization “Dvizh Lab” after it was removed during renovation works and decommissioned by the hospital administration.
The artwork features a triptych accompanied by five decorative plates depicting Poseidon and marine life. It was discovered discarded among construction debris, raising concerns within the cultural community. Thanks to the efforts of “Dvizh Lab,” who negotiated with the hospital authorities to secure permission, this valuable cultural artifact was rescued and protected for future generations.
The Artistic Legacy of Vasyl Melnyk
Vasyl Melnyk (1928–2015) was a distinguished Ukrainian ceramic artist and a member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine. His works have been showcased internationally in countries such as France, Bulgaria, and Poland, and are held in museums throughout Kyiv, Poltava, and other cities. Melnyk’s oeuvre prominently features monumental ceramics, porcelain, and decorative arts.
The attribution of this ceramic composition to Melnyk was confirmed through the expertise of art ceramicist and associate professor Inna Hurzhiy, alongside People’s Artist of Ukraine and professor Oleksandr Levadnyi.
“Thanks to the insights provided by ceramic artist and associate professor Inna Hurzhiy, as well as People’s Artist of Ukraine and professor Oleksandr Levadnyi, it was established that Vasyl Melnyk—one of Poltava’s most renowned ceramic masters—is the creator of this composition,”the Poltava Regional Museum stated.
By transferring this ceramic piece to the museum, its preservation is ensured, while also opening doors for further study and promotion of Ukrainian ceramic art. This initiative highlights the vital role of community engagement in safeguarding cultural heritage and emphasizes the importance of protecting artistic creations for posterity.