Ada Rybachuk

Ada Rybachuk (1931-2010) was a Ukrainian artist and author of monumental and architectural works. She worked in creative tandem with her husband, Volodymyr Melnychenko. Her artistic approach gravitated toward modernism with elements of expressionism and symbolism. One of the key directions of her work was the creation of a visual language capable of conveying ideas and emotions that resonate with global human issues: war, memory, the fragility of human life, and the struggle for freedom. She participated in numerous Ukrainian and international exhibitions.

The engraving from the "Hiroshima" series is the artist's statement on the nuclear bombing of Japanese cities during World War II, her attempt to comprehend this tragedy. The linear structure and fine detailing of the engraving create a sense of fractured space, reflecting inner pain and chaos. Rough forms, the dynamism of lines, and the fragmentation of composition convey the tension and horror of the bomb’s destructive force. Ada Rybachuk not only documented a historical event but also urged the viewer to reflect on the cost of progress and humanity's responsibility in using technology. This engraving carries a strong emotional and historical message.