On 6 September 2023, the Art Space exhibition centre of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design hosted the opening of the personal exhibition “BARVY: ATMOSPHERE” by Antonina Dubrivna, Head of the Department of Digital Art, Faculty of Art and Fashion, Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design. The unique exhibition presents an original collection of 20 works by Antonina Dubrivna, a well-known artist, PhD in Art History, member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine, the Union of Designers of Ukraine, and professor at the Kyiv Institute of Qilu University of Technology (China).
The artist’s personal exhibition was opened by Ivan Gryshchenko, Rector of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design, Doctor of Economics, Professor, Academician of the National Academy of Pedagogical Sciences of Ukraine. Ivan Gryshchenko noted that this event opens the second season of showcasing the work of talented creators of contemporary Ukrainian culture – KNUTD teachers who teach the best designers in Ukraine and abroad.
“It is very important that even in such a dramatic time for our country, artistic events are taking place that unite us, support and inspire us. A full-scale war has been going on for 559 days, and our art helps us survive and shows the freedom-loving, unbreakable spirit of the Ukrainian people”, the rector stressed.
Rector of KNUTD Ivan Gryshchenko and Antonina Dubrivna
The opening was a real artistic celebration, where not only art critics but also admirers of contemporary art had the opportunity to plunge into the magical world of nature, illuminated by a wealth of colours and a mysterious atmosphere.
The central themes of the exhibition – harmony, light, and colours – are depicted in such detail, perfection, and emotion that every viewer could find something personal in these works. Antonina Petrivna began the presentation of her works with words of greetings and gratitude to Ivan Mikhailovich, as well as to the numerous guests of the event.
The grand opening of the exhibition “BARVY: ATMOSPHERE” was attended by distinguished guests who expressed their sincere congratulations and best wishes. Their friendly and warm words added a special atmosphere to the event, emphasizing the importance and significance of this cultural event.
The Head of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine, Honoured Artist of Ukraine, Academician of the International Academy of Education and Science, PhD in Art History, Associate Professor Kostiantyn Cherniavsky congratulated Antonina on the opening of her personal exhibition and emphasized the special significance of this event for the National Union of Artists of Ukraine and Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design:
“It is very important that today, when the bloody war continues, we, the artists, are fighting on our cultural and informational front, helping the Armed Forces, preserving and multiplying the traditions of Ukrainian fine art”.
Kostiantyn Cherniavsky stressed that Antonina Dubrivna’s works are part of the treasury of Ukrainian fine art.
Kostiantin Cherniavsky
The grand opening of the exhibition was attended by Ostap Kovalchuk, Dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts and Design of Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University, Honoured Artist of Ukraine, PhD in Art History, Associate Professor, Honorary Vice President of the Academy of Painting and Calligraphy of China, Academician of the Academy of Arts of the Republic of Tajikistan, member of the International Union of International Artists for Peace (Antwerp, Belgium), member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine.
“In these times, when the fires of war devour souls, here, in this exhibition hall, we see fires of a different kind”, he said, crossing the space to the stands where Antonina Petrovna’s bright and light canvases flashed against a black background. “These lights are the lights of life, they flicker against a conflicted background as a symbol that life, despite all the contradictions and attractions, not only continues but also flourishes”.
Ostap Viktorovych stressed that each image on display is not only an aesthetic element, but also a cry of the soul, full of hope and expressiveness, an explosion that demonstrates how beauty and life are closely intertwined, even when the outside world is full of chaos.
Ostap Kovalchuk and Antonina Dubrivna
Sincere congratulations and wishes to Antonina Petrivna were expressed by Ihor Dudka, Head and Art Director of Headshot brand development at Advanter Group, winner of Grand Prix and prizes at many advertising festivals, and author of visual solutions for more than 200 brands.
Ihor Dudka with Antonina Dubrivna
The exhibition opening was also attended by Bohdan Tryboi, a TV presenter, actor, animal rights activist, and volunteer. In the Art Space, where culture meets reality, he stressed that art is perhaps one of the few forces that can warm us in these dark times of war.
Bohdan Tryboi
The unique mood at the exhibition was supported by a musical performance by Honoured Artists of Ukraine Yaroslava Rudenko and Khrystyna Okhitva, who honoured the artist by performing patriotic compositions. Their melodies and lyrics added depth and emotional intensity to this cultural event, making the evening unforgettable for all those present.
Yaroslava Rudenko and Khrystyna Okhitva with Antonina Dubrivna
Billy Gruner, PhD, international curator of the Biennale of Reductive and Objectless Art, director of West Projects, founder of SNO Contemporary Art Projects from sunny Australia, and Andrii Poturailo, artist for the Walt Disney Company and the New York Times, illustrator of the A-BA-BA-GA-LA-MA-GA publishing house, opened virtual portals to express their sincere applause for Antonina Dubrivna.
Billy Gruner
Andrii Poturailo
Antonina Dubrivna’s students from the Kyiv Institute of Qilu University of Technology (China) Li Guoliang, Zhong Xuan, and Bi Tingwu sent video greetings with their best wishes and touching words of gratitude for the inspiring and interesting lectures.
Li Guoliang, Zhong Xuan, Bi Tingwu
Thus, these words became a virtual bridge that connected continents and cultures in one majestic chorale, expressing deep respect and admiration for Antonina’s work. Their greeting was yet another confirmation that art knows no borders, and Antonina Dubrovna’s original talent is a universal code that is understandable to anyone who is open to beauty and cognition of the depths of the soul.
Visitors to the exhibition have the opportunity not only to enjoy the beauty but also to understand how painting can become a source of sensual perception of life and the discovery of the inner world.
Antonina Dubrovna’s exhibition “BARVY: ATMOSPHERE” is open to visitors until 25 September 2023 at the Art Space exhibition centre of Kyiv National University of Technologies and Design.
11.09.2023
