In Bogdanovka by the dam 1955

"In Bogdanovka by the dam" is a painting by Ukrainian self-taught artist Kateryna Bilokur, made with oil on canvas. Bilokur lived through tumultuous times, including the aftermath of the Russian Revolution and the Second World War, profoundly shaping her artistic vision. Bilokur lived in a patriarchal society where women were often relegated to domestic roles. Despite these constraints, she relentlessly pursued her artistic passions, navigating societal expectations and limited access to formal training. She painted the world around her: the vibrant flowers and plants of the Ukrainian countryside. Her works are more than botanical studies. They represent a deep connection to the land and an assertion of her identity as a woman and an artist in a world that often overlooked her. In her own words, Bilokur stated, "I will paint flowers because I see beauty in them." This encapsulates the emotional depth and personal investment she had in her subjects. The work becomes a narrative of resilience, identity, and the transformative power of art in the face of adversity.