A certainty of vision (04/03/05)

Daughter and colleagues share reflections on the artist

A certainty of vision

by Alexandra D. Kochman

The world of art in the Western world is ever-changing, with artists seeking something new, that which best reflects the spirit of the times. The result is eclectic.

Aka Pereyma is a multi-talented artist. Growing up in a Ukrainian family, she was exposed to Ukrainian art. Having settled in the United States, she adopted the lifestyle of one seeking creative adventure. She found artistic inspiration in her childhood memories, her heritage rising to the forefront of consciousness. She uses the rich tapestry of Ukrainian folklore as the basis of her creativity, but where Ukrainian folkloric art is traditionally realistic, the highly imaginative Aka Pereyma combines Ukrainian influences with current trends of Western art.

The exhibit at the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in Chicago includes drawings, watercolors, oils, mixed media, sculptures and ceramics. The displayed works incorporate originality of composition, perfection and depth of detail, richness of color and the artist's certainty of vision.

In the 1960s Ms. Pereyma created a series of figurative compositions in pencil, pen and ink, and watercolor on paper. Most expressive are "Life's Intimate Moments," depicting the artist's own emotions; "When We All Lived in Peace" and "Ukrainian Madonna," which are remarkable for their individual composition, yellow-orange brightness and crystal-clear minute ornamentation. Later works in the series "Ukrainian Folk Songs," "My Pysanky" and "Ukrainian Legends" are filled with folkloric content. Graphic clarity dominates in these works; the works are monotonal, unidimensional, stripped of all unnecessary elements. Their intensity and range of color imparts the viewer with a sense of heightened energy, full of life and vitality.

Sculptures included in the exhibit portray various birds. The artist creates these from assorted metal, such as lengths of pipe, saws, chains, pitchforks, scythes and the like, that are welded to create the intended sculpture.

Ms. Pereyma's ceramics interpret Ukrainian traditional painting on dinnerware, with plant-inspired ornament of black applied to red clay on bowls, plates, pitchers and gourds.

Her contribution to a worldwide Ukrainian cultural identity was recognized in 2001 by the government of Ukraine, which awarded Aka Pereyma with the Outstanding Ukrainian Artist medal.

In 2004 Ms. Pereyma was awarded an Ohio Heritage Fellowship by the Heritage Foundation of Ohio for her artistry in ceramics and pysanky.

Alexandra D. Kochman is a Chicago artist and educator, and a member of the UIMA art committee, and has served as curator at UIMA.

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