A major cultural event has opened in Lviv as Zenyk Art Gallery presents the exhibition “ВІН: Тарас Шевченко. Художник.” The project marks the first time since the start of the full-scale invasion that the National Museum of Taras Shevchenko has transferred part of its collection to another Ukrainian city.
The exhibition aims to dismantle the stereotypical image of Shevchenko as a folkloric “poet in a sheepskin coat” and instead present him as a 19th-century influencer, academic innovator and artist of global stature.
58 originals, including “Kateryna”
The show features 58 original works, spanning painting, graphic art and self-portraits. Rather than following a strict chronology, the curators structured the exhibition into eight thematic blocks, including “Self-Portraits,” “Picturesque Ukraine,” “The Prodigal Son,” “Exile,” and a dedicated section titled “ВОНА.”
Among the highlights is the original painting “Kateryna” by Taras Shevchenko – an iconic work familiar to generations from school textbooks. Presented in its original form, the canvas invites a reassessment of its emotional and artistic depth beyond its literary associations.
The self-portrait series is positioned as an intimate internal dialogue, reflecting Shevchenko’s search for identity and freedom during periods of personal and political constraint.
Technology meets 19th-century art
The exhibition integrates immersive elements alongside historical works. Through VR technology, visitors can step inside the house Shevchenko dreamed of building, recreated according to his own architectural drawings. Selected works have also been digitally animated, offering contemporary reinterpretations without overshadowing the originals.
The exhibition runs in Lviv until June 20, 2026, at 7 Shota Rustaveli Street. By bringing together heritage masterpieces and modern presentation tools, the project reframes Shevchenko not only as a national symbol but as a multidimensional European artist whose visual legacy stands alongside his literary achievements.
