«IKANYCHA»: PYSANKA OF MARIUPOL

Opening: 24 April 2025, at 17:00 (EET)

Location: National Centre of Folk Art “Ivan Honchar Museum” (19 Lavrska Str,. Kyiv)

On April 24, an exhibition “Ikanycha: Pysanka of Mariupol”, the first physical exposition dedicated to cultural heritage of Mariupol after destruction of Mariupol local lore museum in result of Russian aggression, will be opened in Kyiv..

It is the first even within the projected resulted in cooperation between public institutions, artists, researchers, cultural workers and non-governmental organizations united to revitalize lost values. A central element of the project is restored collection of unique pysankas “Ikanycha” destroyed together with museum funds in 2022. The collection was restored by honoured mistress of folk art, member of the National Union of Folk-Art Masters of Ukraine, Zoya Stashuk. 

The project has strategic importance in the struggle with Russian propaganda tying to rewrite the history and erase the identity of local communities on occupied territories. The exposition in Kyiv is an evidence that real history and culture of Mariupol are alive despite efforts to wipe out them. It is also a visible demonstration how the living heritage can help in restoration of museum collections.

About pysanka “Ikanycha” 
Pysankas which were made by Greek women of Pryazovie (Azov Sea region) have local name “Ikanycha”. It is a unique sample of folk art originated from the end of 19 century. The beginning of collection started from Oleksandrivska boys’ gymnasium in Mariupol continues then in new established Mariupol local lore museum. In soviet times, traditions of pysanka painting, as well as other manifestations of Ukrainian culture suffered reprisals. The collection was parted with Donetsk museums while the original ornament of Azov Sea region was almost lost.

It was managed to restore the samples of pysankas and preserve regional identity thanks to saved digital copies and art and knowledge of ICH bearers. In 2024, UNESCO inscribed “Pysanka, Ukrainian tradition and art” on Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Pysanka “Ikanycha” is an integral part of this manifestation representing the heritage of Azov Sea Greeks as an important component of Ukrainian culture. 

Within the project and the exhibition, visitors could take part in curator excursions, lectures dedicated to the history of pysanka “Ikanycha” and traditions of Azov Sea pysanka painting, join master classes of honoured mistress of folk art, Zoya Stashuk. The purpose of these master classes is not only to familiarize with painting technique but also to become a platform for transmitting exclusive experience to masters from different regions of the country.

Organizers: Ministry of Culture and Strategic Communications of Ukraine, Mariupol City Council, Donetsk Region State Administration, Mariupol Local Lore Museum, National Center of Folk Culture “Ivan Honchar Museum”, Development Centre “Democracy through Culture”, Donetsk Regional Educational and Methodological Center of Culture, National Union of Folk-Art Masters of Ukraine, “Maria’s City” Team.