An exhibition of the works of Ukrainian-U.S. artist Anatole Kolomayets (1927-2014) opened in Kyiv on Nov. 16, at the offices of Asters law firm in the Leonardo Business Center.
Entitled, “Return to the Homeland,” the exhibition included works that demonstrated the artist’s enduring ties to the land of his birth, even though most of his life was spent outside of Ukraine as part of the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the exhibition, Asters Senior Partner Armen Khachaturyan noted that Kolomayets, through his work, had connected the Ukrainian diaspora with their homeland even through the divisions of the Cold War.
“His works helped so many in Ukrainian diaspora to preserve spiritual connection with the land of their origin, gave them psychological strength to achieve success in their new homes,” Khachaturyan said.
Morgan Williams, the president of the U.S.-Ukraine Business Council, also speaking at the opening of the exhibition, said it was an honor for the council to help organize the exhibition.
“Anatole Kolomayets was born in Ukraine in 1927 and arrived in the U.S. in 1953. He always held onto the best and most valued features of his Ukrainian heritage. His life’s work presented universal values and Ukrainian culture. We are honored to assist in bringing his art ‘back to his homeland.'”
Around 100 guests attended the opening of the exhibition, including the artist’s daughter, Marta Kolomayets.
Anatole Kolomayets was made an Honored Artist of Ukraine in 2007 by the then-president of Ukraine, Viktor Yuschenko.
During his lifetime, Kolomayets had 42 one-man shows, spanning a 60-year career. More than 500 of the artist’s works – both oils and watercolors – are in numerous private collections and galleries in Argentina, Australia, Belgium, England, France, the United States, Canada and Ukraine.
