Olaska Novakivsky Expressionist Art Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Olaska Novakivsky Expressionist Art - Essay Example The painting chosen is St. George’s Cathedral. This painting was completed after World War I during Novakivsky’s expressionist period. St. George’s Cathedral has heavy colors (Novakivsky 1921-1922). Even the lighter colors of white, yellow, and blues are darker than needed. The scene is of a church on top of a hill surrounded by wild foliage. Instead of looking like a serene place to worship, this church appears foreboding. A white figure appears at one of the openings. The viewer might think religion or this church has an elusiveness that is not obtainable. This expressionism feeling of anger at the loss of a higher power can be felt upon looking at the painting. Novakivsky began his career as an impressionist. Novakivsky was an illustrator, as well as a painter (MudryÄ ­ 1962:225). He studied at â€Å"Odesa (1888–92) and at the Cracow Academy of Fine Arts (1892–3, 1895–1900)† (Hordynsky 1993). Groveart (2000) states â€Å"Here he developed a painterly Impressionism.† Before World War I, Novakivsky had a more of a defined brush stroke, lighter colors, and lighter subjects. After World War I, Novakivsky like many other Ukrainians felt rage, indignation, and lucky to be alive. This was reflected in his paintings. St. George’s Cathedral displays this rage and indignation. The rage against a world that murdered God with a stupid needless war made Novakivsky upset. This reflected in his work. In the historical and social context, Novakivsky exemplified the Ukrainian culture. When Novakivsky was born, Ukrainian culture dominated the region. The events happening in the Ukraine between Russia and Poland after World War I influenced Novakivsky like many other Ukrainian artists. During this period most individuals think of Russian or Polish art, but seldom think about Ukrainian culture. There was a unique culture in the Ukraine. Novakivsky’s