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The Ivankiv Historical and Local History Museum was burned to the ground as Russia continues its aggressive invasion of the country
Lauren Heath-Jones | Planet Attractions | 03 Mar 2022
Prymachenko’s work on display at the Mystetsky Arsenal Art Gallery in Kyiv, 50 miles north of the Ivankiv Historical and Local History Museum Credit: EFREM LUKATSKY/AP
Ukraine has called for UNESCO to revoke Russia’s membership following the destruction of the Ivankiv Historical and Local History Museum by invading Russian forces over the past weekend.
The museum, located in the town of Ivankiv approximately 50 miles Northwest of Kyiv, was burned down on Sunday (February 27). It was home to 25 works by folk artist Maria Prymachenko, the country’s most celebrated artist, all of which are believed to have been destroyed in the blaze with the rest of the museum’s collection.
Born in the village of Bolotnya in the Ivankiv Raion in 1909, the self-taught Prymachenko was notable for her colourful folk paintings depicting wondrous creatures inspired by local folklore and mythology. Her work was widely exhibited throughout Ukraine and even appeared on the country’s postage stamps in the 70s.
In 1966 she was awarded the Taras Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine, the country’s highest cultural honour, and, in 2009, 12 years after her death, she was recognised by UNESCO, who declared it the year of Prymachenko.
Director of the nearby Vyshhorod Historical and Cultural Reserve Vlada Litvochenko confirmed the “irreparable loss” in a translated statement on Facebook.
“Another one of the irreparable losses of the historical-cultural authority of Ukraine is the destruction of the Ivankiv Historical-Cultural Museum by the aggressor in these hellish days for our country.”
Following the attack, Oleksandr Tkachenko, Ukraine’s minister of Culture and Information Policy has called for UNESCO to strip Russia of its membership.
“Russia’s armed offensive against Ukraine is destroying numerous civilian and cultural heritage sites in Ukraine. Countless historical and architectural monuments and archaeological sites are under threat of artillery shelling and uncontrolled movement of heavy military trucks,” Tkachenko wrote on encrypted messaging system, Telegram.
“Russia’s actions have already caused damage to the ancient city of Tauric Chersonese,
listed on the World Heritage list, as well as the Bakhchisaray Palace of the Crimean Khans, included in the indicative list, and other cultural heritage sites.
“Given this, Ukraine considers the continuation of Russia’s presence in UNESCO unacceptable. We expect that the Ukrainian side will receive an answer and a decision on this issue as soon as possible,” he added.
Prymachenko was notable for her use of bright colours and mythical creatures inspired by local folklore CREDIT: MARIA PRYMACHENKO, OUR ARMY, OUR PROTECTORS (1978)
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