Kobzar ART

Honest Naïve by artist Petro Boyko

The artwork of Petro Boyko is unique and distinctive, combining vintage and contemporary elements. For the artist, novelty blends with curiosity about the surrounding world and boundless creative imagination.

From June 23, 2023, to July 2, 2023, the exhibition of paintings by Petro Boyko, created in 2023, titled "Honest Naïve," is taking place at the National Museum of Ukrainian Folk Decorative Art in Kyiv.

Lyudmyla Strokovа, the Director-General of the NMUFDA, welcomed the Ukrainian avant-garde artist Petro Borisovich Boyko in Kyiv.

Vadym Mykhаlchuk, a professor at the Department of Art Expertise at the Academy of Cultural and Arts Management, and the curator of the exhibition, mentioned that the "Honest Naïve" exhibition is exceptional because these paintings bring smiles and evoke positive emotions in people, even in times of war.

Vadym Mykhаlchuk speaks about Petro Boyko

"From the first glance, from the first painting, he captivated me with his art forever. There is something cosmic about it. I won't be objective because I'm deeply fascinated by him. However, I was particularly impressed by the creative description written by Halyna Sklyarenko, a renowned art critic, which I will quote for you".

The artwork of Petro Boyko is subjective yet deeply rooted in the traditional imagery of Ukrainian folk motifs and worldview.

 

It extends beyond the boundaries of realistic art, where the irregularities of grotesque, sincerity, and pronounced subjectivity express his unique life position. Consequently, rather than conventional beauty and harmony, I find myself increasingly attracted to the expressiveness, peculiarity, and individuality that, on one hand, align him with the principles of folk art, and on the other hand, open up paths to the world of modernism, where the vividness of cubism and the pronounced expressiveness of expressionism have become close to him.

These characteristics find their reflection in his works, immersing him in the realm of Ukrainian national tradition, where the main features are folklore and naturalness, directness and optimistic dedication, capable of endowing the simplest motifs with strength, energy, and imagination, which guarantee the persuasiveness of his art. He doesn't merely imitate natural images; he transforms them on canvases, shaping them freely.

It's worth mentioning the famous quote by Henri Matisse, who, contemplating the artist's gaze at first sight, said: "There are two ways of seeing things: to show or to feel them." Petro Boyko chooses to be captivated.

What is "naïve" art?

Naïve art (also known as naïve art or folk art) is an artistic style characterized by spontaneity, simplicity, and a lack of pretense. It originated in the folk environment and embodies a direct representation of the world through the eyes of folk artists, who often lack formal art education.

Naïve art is often characterized by naive, simple colors and forms, conscious childlike qualities, and unrealistic depiction. It can include vivid imaginative narratives, scenes from rural life, portraits of people, animals, and natural objects.

This art style reflects the simplicity and unadorned aesthetics of folk life, conveying the artist's inner world through a unique perspective on the world. Naïve art has gained popularity as a form of self-expression and individuality, as well as an embodiment of cultural heritage and national identity.
This style can be found in various countries and cultures under different names. For example, in France, it is called "art naïf," in Brazil - "arte naïf," and in the United States - "primitive art."

Naive art is a unique and intriguing phenomenon in the world of art that captivates with its enchanting expressiveness.

Petro Boyko's paintings and the cultural space of "Kobzar"

"From the first days of the war, I didn't observe bright colors; I didn't see them. Only war was reflected on the canvases. But over time, I understood that people need hope, optimism, spiritual support to believe in victory and bring it closer. I dedicated and continue to dedicate many of my works to supporting the Armed Forces of Ukraine. They are bought, and volunteers direct the funds for the needs of the military. Now, thoughts of Victory dwell in my heart. I prepared this exhibition with our Victory in mind," shared Petro Boyko.

Since the beginning of the war in 2022, the team of the cultural space "Kobzar" has been supporting the heroic defenders of Ukraine and Ukrainian artists. We have collected a collection of Peter Boyko's paintings created in 2022-2023. We are gathering these paintings for the creation of our own exhibition, which will take place in due time. Additionally, some of the artist's canvases will be digitized and included in the NFT collection for exhibition in the metaverse.

This article is a translation of a review published on the official website of KobzarArt Gallery.

Buy Petro Boyko paintings in our online gallery.