Exhibition of Chebykin Opens in Kyiv: From Intimate Graphics to Images of War and Nation

The National Museum 'Kyiv Art Gallery' opened a new exhibition on Tuesday, April 7, dedicated to the 80th anniversary of Ukrainian artist, graphic designer, educator, and academician Andriy Chebykin. This exhibition project, titled 'Andriy Chebykin. MASTER AND WORKSHOP', has become an important event for the cultural life of the capital, as it not only celebrates the artist's anniversary but also his contribution to the development of the Ukrainian graphic school.

The organizers of the exhibition emphasize that it is not a summary of Chebykin's work, but rather a living reflection of his creative process. 'The exhibition, organized for the master's 80th anniversary, does not draw conclusions or erect a monument. Before us is the living creativity of an artist who continues to feel every time he picks up a brush or pencil,' the organizers state.

The exhibition is not a traditional retrospective; instead, it creates a space for a living creative process by combining Chebykin's works with those of his students. This approach allows for the reflection of the formation of the modern Ukrainian graphic school, which is an important aspect of teaching and nurturing new generations of artists.

At the core of the exhibition are two key themes of Chebykin's work: Woman and Nature. Through landscapes and the genre of nudes, the artist explores femininity, the fragility of existence, and states between calm and storm, virtue and desire. Visitors can observe the evolution of Chebykin's creativity—from classical etchings of the 1970s and 1980s to Crimean watercolors and refined nudes of the 1990s and 2000s.

Among the pivotal works presented at the exhibition is the piece 'Foreboding' (2015-2020), which contemplates historical breaks and the power of love. This work exemplifies Chebykin's profound philosophical approach to art and his ability to convey emotions through graphics.

A separate section of the exhibition features recent works created in the context of the full-scale war. Among these are a drawing reacting to the shelling of Kyiv titled 'Enemy Shot Down Over Tatarka' (2022), the canvas 'A Great Nation is Born' (2023), and a new work 'Cleansing' (2026), in which the author shares his anticipation of peace. These works reflect not only the artist's personal experiences but also the general state of society amid war.

Additionally, the exhibition includes Carpathian impressions of the artist and his reflections on the events of the modern war, which add depth and context to the overall concept of the exhibition.

A distinct part of the project features works by graduates of Chebykin's Free Graphic Workshop. As the organizers note, over 55 years of teaching at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, more than 300 students have passed through his school, and the presented exhibition illustrates the main principle of the educator—the development of creative individuality. This underscores the importance of teaching and mentorship in art, which continues to thrive through his students.

The presentation of the exhibition will take place on April 14 at 4:00 PM, and the exhibition itself will run until May 17, 2026. The project is implemented under the guidance of Yuriy Vakulenko, with Oksana Pidsukha serving as the curator.

It is worth noting that from April 6 to 10, the capital is also hosting concerts, exhibitions, theatrical performances, and Easter events that shape the cultural agenda of the city, making this period particularly rich for art enthusiasts.