Oleksii Shevchuk’s art project «NAIVE ARK» (2012) is a sculptural installation of 10 figures inspired by the paintings of Maria Prymachenko, paying homage to the work of the great Ukrainian naïve artist.
Oleksii Shevchuk brings Maria Prymachenko’s motifs to life by translating them into sculptural form. He suggests that the patterns on the animals are encrypted messages to future generations, presented as allegorical ornamental formulas.
The central figure of the installation is a sculpture of the ARTIST herself - Maria Prymachenko - a philosopher, creator, shepherdess, Trypillian matriarch, symbolizing fertility and beauty. Her apron combines the ornamental formulas of various animals.
The sculptural composition of fantastic creatures forms a naïve yet COSMIC ARK, guided by the artist. It affirms the idea of humanity’s spiritual salvation through unique fantasies.
The sculptures, called «HAYSCRIPTS» are crafted using the artist’s technique from metal frames and hay - a simple, naïve, natural material that simultaneously resembles the multidimensional structure of the universe, composed of thin threads connecting space.
(The sculptural installation was created as a single piece under a licensing agreement with Maria Prymachenko’s grandchildren).
«NAIVE ARK» was exhibited alongside a collection of Maria Prymachenko’s paintings at:
• Taras Shevchenko National Museum
• National Center «Ukrainian House»
• National Cultural-Art and Museum Complex «Mystetskyi Arsenal»
• National Museum of Decorative Arts of Ukraine at Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra
• Hryhoriy Galagan Chernihiv Regional Art Museum
• Art space «Tree of Life» in the outlet village «Manufactura»
Designed by Oleksii Shevchuk
Produced by «ARTBUZ®» creative workshop