Haliia Mykhalchenko: a life through the brush of Petrykivka painting
Міст кольорів#Culture#Bridge of Colours
The “Un Ponte di Colori” (“A Bridge of Colours”) project
“I am a Crimean Tatar. My ancestors were deported during the war, but my heart has always belonged to Ukraine.” These are the words of Haliia Mykhalchenko, a woman who found in art the strength to face life’s challenges and keep her inner harmony.
After graduating from medical school, Haliia began her career as a doctor in Kryvyi Rih. Yet even while her life was devoted to helping people, she was captivated by art, and above all by Petrykivka decorative painting. This Ukrainian folk art became her true calling. Looking for new horizons, she began attending workshops run by the master artist Erife Vira, who passed on to her the secrets and techniques of the painting.
Then the war changed everything. With her daughter and two grandchildren, Haliia had to leave her home and seek a safe refuge. Bulgaria, Romania and later a monastery near Rome became her new shelter. Despite the hardships, she did not give up: Petrykivka painting became her salvation, a way of turning pain into beauty.
The monastery’s management not only supported her talent but also gave her everything she needed to create: Haliia was given a studio and materials to work with. It was during this time that she began introducing Italians to Ukrainian folk art, each time showing them vivid compositions, a wealth of colour and the uniqueness of Petrykivka painting.
“When I paint, I forget everything, as if I were in another reality,” says Haliia. Her works have become a symbol of hope and beauty even in the hardest of times. She gives many of them away, so that people will always remember the richness of Ukrainian culture.
Mykhalchenko takes an active part in charity fairs in support of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. She runs workshops for Ukrainian and Italian children, sharing with them the secrets of Petrykivka painting. Her volunteer work has become a bridge between cultures, as her art has won Italian hearts and sparked their interest in Ukrainian heritage.
“It is impossible not to fall in love with our folk art. It is a love for life,” she is convinced. Art has become not just a way of getting through difficult times but part of her identity, one that unites generations, cultures and hearts.
Haliia Mykhalchenko is an example of how art can work miracles even in the darkest moments. Through her work she not only introduces the world to Petrykivka painting but also gives people hope and light.
The CNAUI project has brought together more than 120 artists – we invite you to join our Union of Artists!
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