Opening of the exhibition by Volodymyr Chorny in Kropyvnytskyi.

"Everyone who goes through the crucible of war, like wood and coal entering the whirlwind of events, emerges transformed — as ash and smoke…"— Volodymyr Chornyi

On March 27, 2024, an exhibition of works by native artist, graphic artist, film set designer, writer, and fallen senior sergeant of the “Kara” unit, Volodymyr Chornyi (1976–2023), was opened for the first time in his hometown, at the Museum of Arts.

The exhibition, launched on the artist’s birthday, features 31 works with philosophical titles rich in meaning, subtext, and deep knowledge of Ukrainian history and culture. The pieces represent various graphic techniques such as etching, linocut, lithography, aquatint, mezzotint, monotype, woodcut, and pencil drawing. Dated from 2005–2011, most of the works were created during his studies at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture. Visitors can observe how the artist masterfully combined a meticulous analytical approach with a love for experimentation. In his graphic works, he was especially fascinated by the technical nuances — experimenting with printing methods, style, composition, unexpected blending of inks, etching drawings in unusual sizes and shapes. “Oh, I like this color — you could paint your beloved’s chest without much fussing with the palette,” Volodymyr once said about the rosy shade of thioindigo.

Visitors will also be able to see — and even touch — copper plates used for etching, drawings from his academic years, personal belongings, and photographs that offer a behind-the-scenes look at film production, along with a display of four figurative copper printing plates.

Another facet of Chornyi’s talent — as a writer — is revealed in the presentation of the project “Kara Is Silent”. During the harsh days of war, in the trenches, he felt the need to express what he saw and felt through stories — metaphorical, sometimes humorous, filled with conversations with comrades and reflections on society.

Two of Volodymyr Anatoliyovych’s works from the “Ukrainian Tragedies” series are preserved in the collection of the Museum of Arts:"The Face of Chornobyl" (Ecological Famine) (2008) and "Without Hope. Famine of 1933" (2008), both created in the techniques of paper, aquatint, and monotype.

His wife, Olena Biletska, has generously donated two more of the artist’s works to the collection:an illustration for Lewis Carroll’s novella “The Hunting of the Snark” (etching) and “Zhelya” (colored linocut).

A truly epic person — Samson, a giant, a force of nature — Volodymyr took on much and always saw things through.But he was also only human. Just like each of us.Now someone else must hold up the sky that the artist Volodymyr Chornyi once bore upon his shoulders.Happy earthly birthday, Volodymyr. Eternal and bright be your memory...

Based on a post by Lesia Nestroina-Shevchenko, curator of the Museum of Arts.