Morning 1971

Karpo Trokhymenko paints a vivid "Morning", capturing the essence of Ukrainian rural life. Trokhymenko, who lived through the turmoil of the early to mid-20th century, including the Bolshevik revolution, the Holodomor, and World War II, often portrayed scenes that celebrated Ukrainian culture. Here, sunflowers—a national symbol of Ukraine—bloom vibrantly around a traditional thatched-roof cottage. This painting embodies a sense of rootedness and continuity amidst a backdrop of profound historical disruption. The artist’s choice to depict the morning is deliberate, signifying new beginnings and hope, while perhaps subtly resisting the erasure of Ukrainian identity. Trokhymenko once said, "My art is my voice, a whisper of my land." "Morning" serves as a gentle yet powerful affirmation of cultural identity, reminding us of the resilience and beauty found in the everyday lives of the Ukrainian people.