Bloom 1969

Serhij Schyschko painted "Bloom", which is 50 by 68 cm, using oil on canvas. This vibrant still life is composed of bright and cheerful colours, but let's consider the politics of imagery during the time it was made. Schyschko was a Ukrainian artist working within the Soviet system. During the Soviet era, art was often used as a tool for propaganda and to promote socialist ideals. Artists were expected to create works that glorified the state and its leaders or depicted scenes of everyday life in a positive light. "Bloom" avoids overt political themes, focusing instead on the beauty of nature. However, even seemingly apolitical works like this can be seen as having a social role. By depicting a scene of natural beauty, Schyschko may have been offering a moment of respite from the often harsh realities of Soviet life, a subtle form of resistance or a celebration of Ukrainian identity through its native flora. To understand Schyschko's work fully, we can examine the archives of Soviet-era art institutions and exhibition catalogues. These sources can shed light on the artistic climate of the time and how artists navigated the complex political landscape.