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Culture

The Hidden Canon: Discover Ukrainian literary classics

A Kyiv Independent project backed by the Ukrainian Institute

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The cover of “Naive My Love,” by Gunia Project, and “Pigeon and Dove” by Primachenko.
Culture

Inside Ukraine's world of naive art — and the Gunia aesthetic it inspired

by Kate Tsurkan

A cat's fur for a brush, crushed petals for paint, and an eye for beauty — as it turns out, that's all some Ukrainian artists needed to make some of the most distinctive paintings of the 20th century. "Naive My Love," a new coffee table book by French publisher Assouline in collaboration with Ukrainian fashion and design brand Gunia Project, celebrates the bold colors, imaginative motifs, and deeply personal visual language of Ukrainian naive and folk art. The book's visuals stand on their own

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Inside Austria's network of Ukrainian fugitives, Russian elites, and political connections

The detention of two Ukrainian journalists in Austria earlier this month while conducting an investigation has highlighted deeper systemic concerns. Mykhailo Tkach and Yaroslav Bondarenko were investigating a former Ukrainian prosecutor general who had fled Ukraine and settled in Vienna. Austria has increasingly come under scrutiny for providing refuge to individuals wanted in connection with corruption cases in Ukraine, as well as Russian officials and oligarchs. Meanwhile, several senior Aus

Ukraine war latest: Ukraine, Russia agree to local ceasefire for Russian-occupied Oleshky, mediated by Melania Trump

Key developments on Oct. 23: * Ukraine, Russia agree on local ceasefire for Russian-occupied Oleshky, mediated by Melania Trump * Civilian cargo ship sinks off coast of Romania after Russian drone strike, authorities say * Ukraine to end automatic 100% mobilization exemptions for critical industries, Prime Minister says * Ukrainian drone attack triggers shut down of Moscow airports, missile reportedly strikes Oryol semiconductor plant * 270 Ukrainian POWs return home in latest swap with Ru

About Culture

Our reporting on literature, films, art, and traditions from Ukraine and the latest news on culture in Eastern Europe.

Ukrainian culture
Ukrainian culture has survived centuries of Russian attempts to appropriate Ukrainian art, silence Ukrainian artists, and erase the Ukrainian language. Modern Ukrainian writers, filmmakers, and musicians — some of whom are serving on the front lines — continue to develop Ukrainian culture and fight for Ukraine’s future.
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