ROME.- An exhibition dedicated to the intricate art of Ukrainian decorated eggs, known as pysanky, has opened to the public at the Casina delle Civette in Villa Torlonia. Titled "PYSANKA – the fragile beauty of Ukrainian Art," the display features 74 traditional and contemporary pysanky alongside 18 paintings, offering visitors a look into the historical depth and ongoing evolution of this unique artistic practice.

The exhibition, which began welcoming visitors on April 18th and will remain open until September 14th, 2025, is housed in the Annex of the Casina delle Civette, a setting within the historic Villa Torlonia museums. It presents works by Ukrainian artists Larysa Iskiv, Volodymyr Lutsyk, Lilia Babiak, and Ala Zarvanytska, tracing how the ancient technique of decorating eggshells has been adapted and expressed in contemporary art.

According to organizers, the exhibition highlights the significance of pysanky within Ukrainian culture. The pysanka, created by decorating eggshells with beeswax, is described as an ancient form of Ukrainian folk art with roots predating Christianity. The art of pysankarstvo is a tradition that has been carefully preserved and passed down through generations. The symbolism embedded in the designs is noted as transforming each egg into a meaningful object, with the egg itself representing life and the intricate patterns carrying complex symbolic weight.

The works on display utilize both traditional techniques and ornamentation while also showcasing how contemporary artists are reinterpreting this heritage. This approach aims to provide a comprehensive view of the art form's journey from its historical origins to its current expressions.

Complementing the exhibition, public workshops are scheduled to take place one Sunday each month for the duration of the show. Led by the exhibiting artists, these two-hour sessions will offer participants demonstrations of the techniques and materials used to create painted eggs, alongside discussions on the history and tradition of the Pysanka. The workshops are open to individuals aged 10 and above, with reservations available through the contact center 060608.

The exhibition was conceived by the OBERIG Cultural Association and curated by Ala Zarvanytska, who is also one of the featured artists. It is promoted by Roma Capitale, the Department of Culture, and the Capitoline Superintendence for Cultural Heritage. The exhibition also has the patronage of the Embassy of Ukraine in the Italian Republic, with collaboration from the Futura Nostra Association and organizational support and museum services provided by Zètema Progetto Cultura.

Featured artist Larysa Iskiv is known for her work in textiles, particularly tapestry and traditional Ukrainian costumes, drawing on national art sources. Lilia Babiak, a graphic artist and painter, contributes to the exhibition with original pysanky that blend traditional techniques with her personal artistic vision. Volodymyr Lutsyk, a painter and graphic artist, shows works inspired by folk art and icon painting, including his unique approach to painting on eggshells. Curator Ala Zarvanytska, also a watercolor artist and architect, presents watercolors that demonstrate the influence of Ukrainian nature on her pysanky, highlighting detailed depictions of plants and flowers.

The exhibition aims to provide insight into Ukrainian artistic heritage and its continued relevance in the contemporary world through the lens of the pysanka tradition.