October 13, 2016

Khrystyna Kozyuk presents “kaleidoscope of cultures”

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Artist Khrystyna Kozyuk

CHICAGO – “A Colorful Kaleidoscope of Cultures” is the title of an exhibit of art by Khrystyna Kozyuk that is on view through October 30 at the Ukrainian National Museum (UNM) in Chicago. The exhibit opened on October 7.

Ms. Kozyuk comments: “Being an observer first, much of my inspiration comes from the world around us. When traveling I find myself appreciating all that the new landscapes have to offer. Recently, my time has been spent exploring different traditions and cultures, from the vibrant colored powders thrown during India’s Holi festival to the rich pigments seen in native Ukrainian and Native American costumes. I create pieces that offer an abstract approach to these and other wondrous occurrences in our world.”

Ms. Kozyuk uses oversized canvas that gives her the opportunity and space to experiment with a variety of colors, textures and shapes. “In learning different techniques, I am now using one that I have developed “ she explains. “Creating my own technique using liquid paint has afforded me the ability to put my own modern spin into each piece.”

The artist says her ultimate goal “is to open your eyes to the beauty that is around us by showing the viewer my feelings behind each piece.”

“The Moment of Mirage” by Khrystyna Kozyuk.

“The Moment of Mirage” by Khrystyna Kozyuk.

Ms. Kozyuk grew up surrounded by luscious landscapes and spent much of her time outdoors, exploring local markets, drawing inspiration from everything around Chortkiv, Ukraine. Khrystyna’s mom could see that her daughter was a talented artist already at a young age, and she strongly supported her gift by having her paint murals on their kitchen walls. By the time Khrystyna was in the fifth grade, she had already began successfully selling a series of works titled “Birds” to tourists visiting her city.

After high school Ms. Kozyuk studied classical European drawing at the National University of Forest Engineering in Lviv. While studying in that western Ukrainian city, she relished the architecture, museums and overall environment that art school had to offer.

After graduating, she moved in 2005 to the United States, where she has received eight awards and has had two solo exhibitions, both in Illinois.

The Ukrainian National Museum is open Thursday through Sunday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. General admission is $5. It is located at 2249 W. Superior St., Chicago, IL 60612. For more information readers may call 312-421-8020, e-mail [email protected], or visit www.ukrainiannationalmuseum.org.

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