Karlo Zvirynskyi

Karlo Zvirynskyi (1923-1997) — was a Ukrainian modernist artist and a reformer of art education. He was one of those who, during the totalitarian Soviet regime, managed to create a unique alternative art within the framework of late modernism. His work combines an in-depth study of ancient art, modern experiments, and spiritual syncretism expressed through abstraction.

The painting "Forest-VII" (1970s) reflects the key aspects of Karlo Zvirynskyi’s formal experiments: the interaction of light and shadow, dynamic lines, and a simplified interpretation of nature. By abandoning realistic details, the artist conveys not an illusion of reality but an emotional image of the forest—its vibrant colors and the rhythm of trees. This creates a symbolic space filled with both natural and metaphysical imagery.

In the 1970s, Zvirynskyi devoted considerable time to appliqué, a unique technique for formal experimentation, focusing on color, texture, and composition. His works from this period evoke a deep emotional response, affecting the viewer on a subconscious level.

This painting is a valuable example of the Ukrainian underground art movement, created under Soviet censorship. It is not only aesthetically significant but also serves as a cultural testament to the artist’s pursuit of freedom of expression, transcending the limits of traditional painting.