Yesterday, 10 August, the festival ‘Blue-Eyed Pearl of Mykolaiv Region’ took place in Mykolaiv, bringing together artists and spectators to once again confirm that the “Tavria” is not just an ornament, but a true ‘code of the South.’ The table was set with items decorated with Tavrian painting: plates, jugs, boards, embroidered shirts, jewellery, etc. Visitors could not only buy these beautiful items, but also hear stories about how this unique tradition was preserved and revived.
A history worth preserving!
Tavrian painting is an art form with deep roots. In the 1950s and 1960s, Yevheniia Bondarenko, a member of the National Union of Folk Art Masters of Ukraine and the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, while on a working expedition to the Kinburn Peninsula, noticed the wall paintings that covered the houses with blue lace. She became interested in this technique, began to research its origins and symbolism, and gave it the name ‘Taurian,’ because the local residents of Ochakiv, to which Kinburn belongs, still call the spit Tauria. Yevheniia found old samples, systematised her knowledge, and passed it on to new generations of masters. It is thanks to her perseverance and love for her work that this painting technique has not disappeared over time.
Today, the baton is being carried on by master Lyubov Paranyuk, who created a working alphabet of Tavriya from a methodological perspective and revealed its richness. She not only creates unique works, but also teaches those who are interested, passes on the secrets of the technique, develops the tradition, and inspires masters from different parts of Ukraine.
Festival-fair
At our festival, visitors could see how a pattern is created: stroke by stroke, colour by colour — and from under the brush emerges a wave, the sun, a seagull or a stylised ornament. The masters shared stories, talked about symbols and techniques, and those who wished created their own ‘seas.’
Ruslana Sykalenko, project manager at the “Adult Training and Education Center “Pivden”, says:
“Tavrian painting is a unique ethnic phenomenon of Ukrainian decorative and ornamental art in the Mykolaiv region, which over time has penetrated the very heart of our region and is now flourishing, captivating more and more people. It has so many meanings, so many values! It is a link between generations, historical and cultural traditions. That is why, when writing the script for the event, I added at the end: “We also have a special request — to pray today for Kinburn, the only occupied territory in our region, and to ask God to preserve the lives of people, the luxurious nature and simply this amazing place, which has preserved and given us Tavrian painting!”
Tavrian painting is not a museum exhibit lying under glass. It is a living tradition that can be seen, felt, held in your hands, experienced in its texture, and even created by yourself. It is a way to preserve the memory of our steppes and sea, says Serhii Koreniev, deputy mayor of Mykolaiv.
“We see that even in difficult times, such events bring people together and unite the community around the values that make us unique. The city’s task is to support such initiatives, to help craftsmen and organisers so that this tradition is not only preserved but also developed. This is the promotion of local culture, recognition and tourist attractiveness of the Mykolaiv region,” added Serhii Koreniev.
The festival in Mykolaiv proved that southern culture thrives when we create it together. Some went home with a ceramic piece they had painted themselves, others with new knowledge and purchases. Tavrian painting is about our ‘here and now,’ about our small homeland that is always with us, even when we are far from home.
Photo: NGO “Adult Training and Education Center “Pivden” | Mykolaiv Development Agency
The event was made possible thanks to the cooperation of the NGO “Adult Training and Education Center “Pivden”, the Mykolaiv Development Agency, the NGO “KMA “Art-Spokusa” and the Mykolaiv Regional Museum of Local History. The Tavria Painting Workshop and the Mykolaiv Academic Art and Drama Theatre became partners.
