Yurii Khymych. From South to North. From Crimea to Kyiv

This exhibition is an attempt to step behind the scenes of Yurii Khymych's studio, to breathe in the atmosphere of his creative spirit, and to embark on a journey — not only from southern Ukraine, Crimea, to Kyiv, but also through the seasons, the transitions between them, and the different periods of the artist's life: from the delicate watercolors of his early youth, through the dynamism and decorative qualities of the 1960s, to the restrained realism of the 1980s.

The exhibition focuses on the peak of the Master's creative development and artistic potential, with the exception of the 1990s, when Yurii Khymych traveled less frequently and worked primarily in Kyiv.

Every artist needs a method — a system that enables them to sustain their creative process over years or even decades. Creativity is not confined to the studio, the easel, or the paints. Its rhythm is shaped by every activity toward which an artist feels a natural inclination. For some, incidentally, that rhythm has been fueled by alcohol.

Yurii Khymych did not drink alcohol. Throughout his life, he taught students at the Faculty of Architecture — first at the Kyiv Civil Engineering Institute and later at the Institute of Art and Design. He walked everywhere, from home to work, and from one studio to another. He also directed the art studio at the House of Architects. This was his routine throughout autumn, winter, and spring. Summers were devoted to travel: typically three or four trips each year, during which he worked with exceptional intensity. As a result, the majority of his works were created while traveling.

Once a year, a trip to the sea was essential — always to Crimea: Sudak, Feodosia, Balaklava, Sevastopol, Kerch, Bakhchysarai, and the cave cities of Crimea.

Once a year came winter in Kyiv. During this period, he painted still lifes and views from the window overlooking the Botanical Garden. Autumn marked the beginning of the academic year. Since darkness fell early, he usually had enough time after work to spend a couple of hours painting in the Botanical Garden.

Each year formed a complete creative cycle. From one cycle to the next, the formats of his works, his style, materials, and techniques evolved. Therefore, even when individual works are undated, it is possible to determine their date of creation with an accuracy of approximately two or three years.

RA Gallery,
32 Bohdana Khmelnytskoho Street, Kyiv.