Vytynanka: Ukrainian Papercut Art

Featuring works by Olena Martynets, Tanya Znak, Evgenia Bushueva and Oleksandra Berdnyk

Curated by Iryna Mitnovych

What is Vytynanka?

Vytynanka is a Ukrainian traditional art of paper cutting. In the 17th and 18th centuries, intricately cut fabric or paper, shaped with scissors or a knife, adorned walls, stoves, and furniture, defining home and aesthetics.

A traditional Vytynanka design depicts a storyline. Through it, one can read about what is happing in the village, who was born, where weddings took place, and what holidays were celebrated.

The Process

The process of creating Vytynanka is to fold it in half, sketch the drawing and let your knife or scissors cut the excess details while going the a flow and trust the process. You never know what you’ll get in the end – after all the cutting is done, you unfold the paper and see the final result.

Another special moment is when the Vytynanka is hanging, and it creates those mesmerizing shadows, that you want to look at for a long time. This is what the magic of Vytynanka is all about.

Our Vision 

Expression and communication through our art is a tribute to tradition, a commitment to preserve the intricate heritage of Vytynanka. Our vision for this project is to blend creativity with cultural roots, creating works that not only captivate but also narrate the story of Ukraine. Through the delicate procession of Vytynanka, we aim to convey the history of the past and present. By showcasing our art in Canada, we hope to foster a unique dialogue between our countries.