A powerful new exhibition at the National Museum “Kyiv Art Gallery” invites visitors to reconsider one of the most iconic seascape painters of the 19th century — Ivan Aivazovsky — through a fresh cultural and historical lens. Part of the “Face to Face” project, the exhibition offers a nuanced view of the artist, examining his Armenian roots, ties to Ukraine and Crimea, and complex legacy within the Russian imperial framework.
Born in Feodosia to an Armenian family of migrants, Aivazovsky remains widely recognized for his dramatic maritime paintings, many of which became synonymous with Russian naval glory. But this Kyiv exhibition challenges the narrow imperial narrative and sheds light on his deep connections to Ukrainian landscapes, the Crimean environment, and his Armenian heritage — elements often overshadowed by his association with the Russian naval headquarters.
Alongside famed works such as “The Storm” and tranquil views of the Ukrainian steppe, the show includes rarely seen black-and-white photographs of paintings lost during World War II, as well as decorative objects that help recreate the cultural setting of his era.
Organizers aim to present Aivazovsky not just as an imperial painter, but as a multicultural figure whose art speaks to the broader history of Ukraine and Crimea. The exhibition also sparks reflection on the complicated legacy of empire and how artists like Aivazovsky can be reclaimed through a more inclusive historical narrative.
Exhibition Details:
Where: National Museum “Kyiv Art Gallery”, 9 Tereshchenkivska St., Kyiv
When: Until October 26, 2025
Opening Hours:
Tuesday: 11:00–19:00
Wednesday, Friday–Sunday: 11:00–18:00
Closed: Monday and Thursday
Tickets: 200 UAH (100 UAH for discounted entry)
