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Valerii Franchuk, Ukraine

• Member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine since 1990; • Laureate of the Vasyl Stus Prize, 2003; • Honored Artist of Ukraine since 2005; • Laureate of the National Taras Shevchenko Prize of Ukraine, 2008; • Member of the National Union of Designers of Ukraine since 2014; • People's Artist of Ukraine since 2015; Born on September 10, 1950, in the village of Zelena, Krasyliv District, Khmelnytskyi Oblast, Ukraine. Has been the resident of the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, since 1980. From 1986 to 1989 - worked in the graphic workshop of the Kyiv Monumental Art Factory. Has been working creatively every day since 1990. Since 2014, Valerii Franchuk has donated over 30 paintings for 10 charity auctions to support the defenders of Ukraine and sick children. The artist's creative output over more than 35 years consists of over 8,000 paintings, more than 3,000 graphic works (under the unifying title "Sketchbook of Time"), and about 200 sculptures. His work resonates widely within public circles and among the cultural elite. To date, more than 360 reviews and publications have been written in newspapers and magazines in Ukraine and around the world, numerous documentary films have been made, and many radio interviews and reports have been recorded. His technique and style are characterized by a very vivid, unique manner of execution, which reflects elements of at least three movements: expressionism, impressionism, and symbolic realism. His graphic works are presented in techniques such as charcoal, monotype, etching, pastel, marker, sauce, pencil, and more. Valerii Franchuk's creativity has been acknowledged in at least 380 printed reviews as of 2024, and the number of publications in online media is equally substantial. His works are held in domestic museums, public organizations, cultural centers in Ukraine and around the world, as well as in private collections in Ukraine and many other countries. Valerii's works stand out not only for their diverse technical execution but also for their wide range of themes. They can be conditionally divided into series and cycles. Painting: • The cycle "I Pray for You, Ukraine" - the history of the Cossack era, T.H. Shevchenko; • The cycle "Swaying Bells of Memory" - based on the stories of Valerii's mother, who lived through the times of the Holodomor-genocide – work on this cycle has been ongoing for three decades; • The series "Understanding the Truth" - the search for answers to the eternal questions of human life; • The series "Chorna-Byl" (Dark Existense) - the realization of the Chornobyl disaster as a technological catastrophe of global scale; • The cycle "Hosanna to the Creator of the World" - impressions of the wonders of the world, the nature of Ukrainian land; • The cycle "Fruits of the Humanity's Garden" - a harmonious combination of the human soul, philosophical reflections on existence, portraits; • The series "Peace to You!" - biblical themes; • The series "Sources" 1990 - themes from Ukrainian folk songs and the everyday life of Ukrainians; • The series "Silence of the Old City" - architectural landscapes; • The cycle "Portal" - the author's reflections on the invisible spiritual world; • The series "My Galaxy" - the artist's mental journeys through the planets and their satellites in our galaxy. Sculpture: works made of wood in an original style akin to Trash-art, which can be conditionally divided into series: • "To the Heroes of the Heavenly Hundred" 2014; in memory of first civilian victims, peaceful protesters, that were ruthlessly executed by the cold guns of the tyrannycal anti-ukrainian goverment; • "Kobzar" 2012-2013; dedicated to the poetry of the Ukrainian poet and artist, Taras Shevchenko; • "Through the Prism of Time" - events, emotions, moments of life. • "Vize-Runes" - decorative ornamental compositions; • "Gospel" - biblical themes and scenes; • "Yesterday, Today, Tomorrow" 2013; • "Candle of Memory" 2013; • "Tripillian Swargy" 2013; • "Parable" 2013; • "Scythians"; Awards and Honors: • Honorary Certificate from the Mayor of Kyiv, 2003. • Honorary Distinction from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine "For Achievements in the Development of Culture and Arts," 2003. • Badge of Honor "Sign of Distinction," 2005. • Honorary Distinction from the Ministry of Culture and Tourism of Ukraine "For Many Years of Fruitful Work in the Field of Culture," 2005. • Order of Merit, III Class, 2008. • Order of Saint Archangel Michael, Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the Kyiv Patriarchate, 2008. • Distinction from the Prime Minister of Ukraine "Gratitude," 2010. • Jubilee Medal in Commemoration of the 25th Anniversary of the Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, 2012. • Medal "Builder of Ukraine," 2015. • Medal "For High Professionalism," Ukrainian Cultural Foundation, 2015. • Medal of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine "For Creative Achievements," 2023.