Жіночий портрет 

Editor: So here we have what's titled "Female Portrait," seemingly by Mykhailo Boychuk, done with oil paint. There's an interesting use of folk art references. How do you interpret this work? Curator: Well, looking at the "Female Portrait", I immediately focus on the materials and method of production. The visibly layered application of oil paint speaks to the artist's process. We also need to consider where Boychuk fits in the wider art world of his time, the social and political conditions in Ukraine that led to his emphasis on folk art. Editor: So, what was his aim with folk art in his paintings? Curator: To create accessible images using basic means. Considering Boychuk's career, we see the clear political decision he makes by favoring folk art. His emphasis wasn't about high art aspiration, it’s more concerned with communicating to a broad audience using simple resources and skills available to ordinary people. Editor: Do you think this elevates or diminishes the value of the work? Curator: It challenges our understanding of "value." Traditionally, we might assess paintings based on their refinement. However, Boychuk's folk style actively challenges this and asks the public to confront traditional boundaries in favor of the making of art itself and the socio-economic conditions that have defined artistic expression and our judgment. How do we place value on the process of democratizing art through the labor that everyday people were more accustomed to performing? Editor: So it is both about making art and providing people with the tools to value a painting like that. It is fascinating how considering the historical background reshapes how we see this portrait. Thank you. Curator: And thank you for prompting me to reconsider it. There's always a story within the material.