How a friendship with the son of a Soviet party leader saved Ivan Marchuk’s art — the artist speaks out for the first time

Ivan Marchuk’s artistic journey

According to Главком: In a milestone interview, Ukraine’s People’s Artist Ivan Marchuk revealed how his bond with Vitaliy Shelest - the son of Petro Shelest, the first secretary of the Communist Party of Ukraine - granted him unexpected creative freedom during the 1970s. This connection allowed Marchuk to boldly experiment with ceramics, producing monumental panels like 'Yaroslav the Wise' and 'To Distant Planets,' each measuring 3 by 7 meters, for the Institute of Theoretical Physics in Khotiv. These works became defining pieces in his portfolio, showcasing his ability to push boundaries under restrictive Soviet conditions.

Exhibitions and recognition

Marchuk’s first official exhibition took place in Moscow at the Graphic Artists’ Hall on Malaya Gruzinskaya Street. In 1970, during the international Rochester Conference on High-Energy Physics held in Kyiv, physicists took notice of his work for the first time. Physicist and Doctor of Sciences Oleh Sarbey arranged a display of Marchuk’s pieces at the home of academician Kyrylo Tolpyha. Following this, the artist continued to show his creations at the Medical Library in Kyiv, the Institute of Materials Science, and the Institute of Cardiology, then headed by Mykola Amosov.

On May 12, a permanent exhibition of his works opened in Kyiv at the art center 'Chocolate House,' featuring the 'Shevchenkiana' cycle. This series is the highlight of the show, with every painting held in museum collections. As Marchuk celebrates his 90th birthday, his art remains relevant and highly respected. The artist himself remarked:

'Give me something that doesn’t burn at 800°C.' Ivan Marchuk

Petro Shelest once asked him: 'Ivan, how do you make it look so old? Don’t worry, I won’t copy you.'

A recipient of the Taras Shevchenko Prize, Marchuk’s works continue to captivate art enthusiasts and collectors alike.

Marchuk’s legacy has left a lasting imprint on Ukrainian art, blending aesthetic innovation with deep historical and cultural narratives. The celebration of his 90th year and the launch of this new exhibition underscore the enduring power of his work to inspire both artists and audiences. Such showcases play a vital role in preserving cultural memory and elevating Ukrainian art on the global stage.

As Ivan Marchuk reflects on his artistic legacy, his personal history intertwines with significant events of his time, including a dramatic episode involving his father and the NKVD. This connection offers a deeper understanding of the challenges he faced as an artist under Soviet rule. To learn more about this pivotal moment in Marchuk's life, read about how he managed to protect his father from the secret police during a perilous time.