Petrykivka painting (or Petrykivka) is a traditional style of Ukrainian-inspired decorative painting, which originated in the village of Petrykivka in Dnipropetrovsk oblast of Ukraine and was used in the decoration of houses and household items.
The villagers of Petrykivka decorate their homes, household items, and musical instruments with ornamental paintings, which are based on careful observations of the local flora and fauna. This art is decorated with incredible paintings, which depict fantastic flowers and other natural elements. In folk belief, the paintings are protection from sorrow and evil. The rooster stands for fire and spiritual awakening, while the birds symbolize light, harmony, and happiness.
A hallmark of this folk art style is its flower patterns, distinctive brushstrokes, and traditionally white background (though contemporary artists often work on black, green, red, or blue backgrounds). In spite of its origins in the 18th century, this style continues to thrive and develop as a modern art form. A trademark for Petrykivka paintings, owned by the artisans of Petrykivka village, has been created as a "brand" in Ukrainian popular culture.
In different regions of Ukraine, they were painted in different styles. It was traditional to restore the painting once or twice each year. In addition to wall decorations, household items made of wood and other materials were also painted and decorated, especially chests. Wedding chests in particular were painted.
Many local people, including women of all ages, involve themselves in this folk art tradition. Each family has at least one practitioner, making decorative painting a regular part of daily living in the community. The painting traditions are being transferred, renewed, and enhanced from generation to generation. The ornamental elements are symbolic and are carried across generations.
Decorative and applied arts are taught in all local schools, from pre-school to college. All children have the opportunity to study the fundamentals. The community voluntarily teaches its knowledge and skills to anyone who shows an interest. These traditions contribute to the renewal of spiritual and historical memory, as well as to the creation of community identity.
Currently, the tradition of "mal'ovky" arose, where paintings were prepared on paper by a master and were used to decorate the walls of a house without a painter visiting them in person. There are also examples of icons from the Dnipro region which are decorated with floral ornaments and could be considered an ancestor of the modern Petrikivka style.
An annual regional folk art festival called "Petrykivs'kyi Dyvotsvit" has typically taken place in September since 2007. The festival has included markets, workshops, exhibitions, and concerts.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/petrykivka-decorative-painting-as-a-phenomenon-of-the-ukrainian-ornamental-folk-art-00893) (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Petrykivka_painting) |Subject=Art, Craftsmanship and Practices |Country=Ukraine |SDG=(09) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities }}