Repurposed

Repurposed delves into the profound connection between rural and Ukrainian culture through the textile compositions of artist Myroslava Boikiv, juxtaposing the influences of immigrating to Toronto, Canada, and comparing rural to urban surroundings. Each meticulously crafted tapestry serves as a vibrant reflection of Ukrainian folklore, traditions, and customs, offering viewers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of Ukrainian heritage.

In this exhibition, Myroslava reimagines "rural culture", historically undervalued, particularly during the Soviet era, as a symbol of true beauty and value. Inspired by the wisdom of her grandmother Anastasia, whose expression "Як не стане, то сі лишит." ("Yak ne stane, to si lyshyt") paraphrased as "There will always be either too much or too little. Carry on." resonates throughout her work, Myroslava infuses each piece with a profound sense of hope and possibility.

Through her innovative use of discarded fabrics, she breathes new life into forgotten materials, transforming them into captivating contemporary creations that resonate with deep emotional significance. Guided by her grandmother's words, Myroslava's work reflects the resilience and optimism of immigrants adapting to new environments. Drawing parallels between the rural landscapes of Ukraine and the urban landscape of Toronto, she explores themes of adaptation, preservation, and the enduring essence of cultural identity.

With a deep attachment to Ukrainian culture, Myroslava infuses each piece with her own vision and interpretation, creating textile compositions that captivate with their beauty and narrative depth. Repurposed invites viewers to explore the intersection of tradition and innovation while contemplating the complexities of cultural migration and the evolution of identity in an ever-changing world.

Energy

Energy
Main piece 39 x 66 inches
Full composition 105 x 70 inches
Material Jarn, mixed yarn, wool, linen, cotton, silk, hemp, bamboo

Year 2021

"Energy" captivates with its dynamism and creativity. While working on this triptych, inspiration stemmed from powerful energetic impulses that subconsciously led to unexpected combinations of techniques in the three-dimensional plane. This exploration illustrates the boundlessness of energy that transcends ordinary spatial constraints.

The fiery colour palette enhances the essence of the composition, adding intensity and liveliness to the artwork. Additionally, an intriguing improvisation on the fabric reminiscent of the powerful sounds of the Hutsul trembita is incorporated. This element adds depth and complexity to the piece, expressing subtle feelings in line with the concept of "thinking outside the box."

Overall, "Energy" invites viewers to contemplate the multifaceted nature of energy and encourages them to explore unconventional perspectives for experiencing art.

Tree of Life

Tree of Life

Material yarn, wool, linen, hemp, silk, canvas, wood

Size main piece 33 x 43 inches Size full composition 80 x 55 inches

Year 2019

Tree of Life

Integrated seamlessly into the overarching depiction of the "Tree of Life," this symbolic representation transcends mere artwork to penetrate various facets of culture and spirituality. The portrayal of the tree on the tapestry encapsulates not only its visual allure, but also its profound symbolism, intertwining with the cultural and artistic heritage of Ukraine and numerous other nations worldwide. Within Ukrainian culture, renowned for its diverse folk traditions, the "Tree of Life" emerges as a central motif, evident in an array of artistic expressions such as pysanky, embroidery, and ceramic crafts. This motif not only showcases the grandeur of cosmology but also underscores profound spiritual dimensions, illustrating life as an ongoing journey of growth and renewal, even amidst adversity.

Panorama – Behind The Buildings Sunset as seen from my home in Toronto

The first artwork, "Panorama of my Orchard in Kovalivka Village," depicts the spring awakening of nature, where snow still lies but life gradually returns to the earth. The returning cranes symbolize an unbreakable connection to the homeland, willing even to sacrifice their lives to return. This moment is conveyed with the subtlest nuances.

In the second artwork, "Sunset as seen from my home in Toronto," the silhouette of the metropolis is depicted, with blue herons in front of it. This combination of nature and urban landscape emphasizes the coexistence of wild nature and civilization, creating an impression of a unified whole. Here, the urban environment is perceived as an artificial beauty that exists alongside nature, much like how the herons remind of cranes and the native land of Ukraine.

These two pieces offer a juxtaposition: the beauty of one's home and natural surroundings contrasted with the exploration of finding beauty within the urban landscape, seeking the natural amidst the city's surroundings.

Foreboding

Foreboding
Main piece 18 x 31 inches
Full composition 60 x 47 inches
Wool, mixed yarn, cotton, acrylic, bamboo

Year 2022

Part of the Street Art Textile project in downtown Toronto, "Foreboding" encapsulates the spontaneous essence of creation: conceived in a single day, it bursts forth with vibrant, contrasting colours heightened by broad brush strokes, lending a unique character to its abstract composition. This tapestry remained unfinished for several months, its inception in October 2021 coinciding with a period of personal disturbance, particularly due to the unsettling imagery it evoked. The striking resemblance of the red stripes to streams of flowing blood left me deeply perplexed, prompting a quest for meaning.

Now, with the streets of Ukraine awash with the innocent blood of its people, I find myself drawn back to this work, completing what has transformed into "Foreboding" - a tapestry I now interpret as a vivid harbinger of the violence currently ravaging my homeland. Created amidst the ominous lead-up to the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the colours and contrasts within this piece serve as a reflection of the enduring tension, pain, and suffering endured by generations in Ukraine. Embedded within the creation process is a profound element: the subconscious. Upon introspection, l've come to understand the deeper significance this piece holds, revealing layers of meaning that transcend the conscious mind's initial grasp.

Portrait

Landscapes

"Prairies" breathes new life into traditional weaving methods through the innovative use of new, found, and discarded materials, resulting in a captivating interplay of colours and textures that vividly evoke the varied landscapes of the Canadian prairies.

This artwork is an ode to the natural beauty of the prairies but also pays homage to their historical significance as the site of early Ukrainian settlements. Through its intricate weave, "Prairies" serves as a powerful symbol of the land's fertility and cultural heritage, resonating deeply with immigrants who find echoes of their roots within its threads.