The striking and unique art of emerging artist Maru Jarockyj, a Melbourne-based architect of Ukrainian heritage, will feature in a free exhibition titled UKR-DNA Ukrainian DNA at the City of Melbourne Library at the Dock between 7 December 2022 and 12 January 2023.
In the exhibition Maru Jarockyj highlights the infusion of her Ukrainian heritage into linear blocks and coloured cubic assemblies defined by symbolic Ukrainian themes.
“The essence of Maru’s art lies in the purity of its lines and cutting blocks of colour. It forms an original painting style inspired by modernism and neo-cubism, while at the same time embracing Ukrainian heritage and bold architectural influences,” said Ms Chrestyna Kmetj, member of the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations (AFUO) Art & Culture subcommittee, who helped organise the exhibition.
As a practicing architect, Jarockyj’s fascination for abstraction, geometry and fragmented forms has been an enduring constant. In her art, this has spilled onto canvas in a symphony of eclectic lines. These lines, which reflect strands of strong Ukrainian DNA, symbolically represent the cultural links that tie to a deep sense of self and a mystic, multicultural identity.
The exhibition is the latest project developed by the subcommittee, which seeks to celebrate and promote the role of art and culture to inspire and connect communities during difficult and distressing times.
“Our subcommittee believes that we become stronger, more tolerant, and more resilient by celebrating works of art and culture which inspire us, and give us hope and optimism,“ said Ms Kmetj.
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has profoundly impacted the Ukrainian community in Melbourne and around Australia, which has rallied to support Ukraine and welcome displaced Ukrainians seeking safe haven in Australia.
“These have been horrifying times for our community. But as a community we feel driven by unbreakable bonds that connect us to our common heritage, family, community and beliefs. We are fiercely proud of our heritage and will always harness our creative Ukrainian DNA whilst living in the diaspora,” she added.
The AFUO Art & Culture subcommittee was formed during the COVID pandemic to promote art within the Australian Ukrainian community and celebrate cultural works which connect and enrich the community. The subcommittee launched ‘The Art of Lockdown’ book in 2020, featuring art created by Ukrainian-Australians during lockdown. The subcommittee is continuing to support Australian Ukrainian cultural initiatives which reinforce identity, and the ties that bind the community during Russia’s war on Ukraine.
MARU JAROCKYJ: UKR-DNA UKRAINIAN DNA EXHIBITION
Date: Wednesday 7 December 2022 to Thursday 12 January 2023
Location: Gallery, Library at the Dock, 107 Victoria Harbour Promenade, Docklands
Price & bookings: This is a free event. Bookings are not required.
Visit the City of Melbourne website for more information.
Click here for Maru Jarockyj’s biography
Click here for the flyer about the exhibition
