Female Image. From the series 'Search for Pushkin's Female Images' 1970

Hryhorii Havrylenko created this pen drawing, "Female Image," as part of his series "Search for Pushkin's Female Images." Havrylenko, living in Soviet Ukraine, engaged with Russian culture through the lens of Ukrainian identity. The artwork reflects a tension between honoring cultural heritage and navigating political constraints. Pushkin, a celebrated Russian poet, represents a shared cultural touchstone, yet Havrylenko's "search" suggests a deeper exploration of female representation within this context. The delicate lines and subtle shading evoke a sense of intimacy, inviting viewers to contemplate the woman's inner life. It invites reflection on the role of women in cultural narratives, and invites viewers to question whose stories are told and how they are remembered. The personal and the political intertwine.