How to break spiritual chains… or the mission of saving pictures (PHOTOS)

The collection of 28 paintings, recently "taken" from the Transcarpathian Regional State Administration, will be exhibited soon. They have been returned to the ownership of the Art (15) and Local History (13) museums.  

At least on Zhupanatska street, they plan to add some of the painting, that until recently could be contemplated only by visitors of the RSA, to the exhibition, timed to celebrate the anniversary of Shevchenko.  However, there is one weighty "but"… While they still have space to exhibit Shevchenko’s prints (they are small), they do not have it for works of other talented geniuses.

This refers to the art heritage, which even recognized galleries can envy, but "here, due to lack of space, only 1.5-2 per cent of the existing stock is exhibited," – the director of the Transcarpathian Regional Art Museum named after Yosyp Bokshay Francisk Erfan said.

In the institution, there are now almost 10 thousand masterpieces (including two etchings by Shevchenko), more than 15 halls, and even corridor walls are used as the exhibition space. But "such attempts are nothing compared to what is needed! – the keeper of artistic treasures, Mr. Francisk complains… – We need UV-proof windows, appropriate lighting that would not harm the paintings that date back several centuries. Not to mention restoration rooms (currently there are 4 of them), where it is hard even to move with some large canvases."  

Although they are proud about their achievements and valuable pieces, they also tell about the problems. Namely, "not only we have no opportunities to replenish the collection (entrance fee is 15 UAH), but it is also difficult to keep what we already have, – the head of the temple of the arts said. – There have long been talks about the expansion of the institution, or rather return of the original rooms of the building under the authority of a single institution. However, there has been no real progress. There are even relevant decisions of municipal authorities. In particular, on the vacation of the first floor rooms, where the archives are kept. We hope that the situation will change soon."

Meanwhile, paintings are metaphorically "dying" without recognition, sometimes being exhibited for a short time in temporary exhibitions… But can such measures resolve the problem?

For lovers of art – it can… For where else can they see the famous colorful landscapes, still life, fine examples of arts and crafts… or monochromatic works, including those by the man who dreamt images not only in words but also in paints – Shevchenko…