Path of Stillness Painting

Born in 1950 in Kyiv, Ukraine, Mykola Kryvenko is a distinguished painter, sculptor, and graphic artist whose work has significantly influenced the Ukrainian art scene. He graduated from the Republican Art School in 1969 and later from the Graphic Department of the Kyiv State Art Institute in 1978. In 1975, Kryvenko participated in Kyiv's first exhibition of nonconformist artists, marking his early involvement in avant-garde movements. He is a member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine and the art group "Picturesque Sanctuary." Kryvenko's artistic journey has been deeply influenced by Eastern philosophy, particularly the teachings of Lao Tzu and Confucius. He has expressed a profound connection to Chinese and Asian painting and poetry, often revisiting these philosophies and artworks to inform his creative process. Throughout his career, Kryvenko has exhibited extensively both in Ukraine and internationally. Notable exhibitions include "Pink Toucan at Dawn" at the Shcherbenko Art Centre in Kyiv (2020), "Some Miracles" at the same venue (2018), and "Kryvenko’s Line" at the White Space in Kyiv (2015). His works are characterized by a minimalist palette, often utilizing pastel and monochrome tones to convey conceptual and introspective themes. Kryvenko's art delves into the exploration of form and space, reflecting his interest in Zen principles and the balance between energy and stillness. Kryvenko's contributions to art have been recognized through various exhibitions and collections, including the Centre for Contemporary Art at Ujazdowski Castle. Today, Mykola Kryvenko continues to live and work in Kyiv, where he remains an influential figure in contemporary Ukrainian art.