Carpathians. Mountain stream 1958

Hryhorii Havrylenko made this drawing of the Carpathians, a mountain stream, using ink on paper. Born in Ukraine in 1927, Havrylenko lived through the horrors of World War II and the subsequent Soviet era. His art reflects a deep connection to his homeland, a connection that was especially poignant given the political and social upheavals that defined much of the twentieth century. In this drawing, the stark black ink captures the rugged beauty and imposing nature of the Carpathian Mountains. The monochromatic palette evokes a sense of austerity, perhaps reflective of the hardships faced by the Ukrainian people during this period. You can almost hear the rushing water and feel the cool mountain air, a testament to Havrylenko’s skill in conveying the essence of this landscape. Through his art, Havrylenko not only preserves a sense of place, but also serves as a powerful reminder of the resilience and enduring spirit of a nation.