
The Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago is pleased to announce Between Roots and
Horizon, an exhibition by Olena Mosiyevych, opening on Friday, February 7, at 7:00 pm.
Bringing together a series of new and recent works, the exhibition explores the artist’s search
for continuity between her Ukrainian heritage and her American present. Forced to leave
Ukraine due to the war, Mosiyevych finds herself in a liminal space—her past disrupted, her
future uncertain. In this state of dislocation, trees emerge as a central motif, symbolizing
resilience and renewal.
Mosiyevych’s practice draws from both Ukrainian folk traditions and contemporary techniques,
forging a visual language that examines the interplay between destruction and regeneration.
Through layered colors, intricate openwork patterns, and luminous gold accents, she connects
the environmental devastation of war in Ukraine with ecological challenges in the U.S., such as
industrial agriculture and climate change. In these works, nature becomes both witness and
participant, reflecting the fragile yet enduring relationship between people and their
environment.
Olena Mosiyevych was born and raised in Ukraine. After obtaining PhD in Finance and
Economics from Kyiv Mohyla Academy, she immersed herself in artmaking and art history. This
included drawing and painting at Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London, and the
study of Byzantine sacred art at Ukrainian Catholic University. Foreseeing the Russian
intervention, she moved to the United States, where she now lives and works. She has
presented her work worldwide, in Ukraine, Europe, the US, and Japan, including the Tokyo
Metropolitan Museum, Museum of Ukrainian Painting, and the Princeton University Library. At
the time of Mosiyevych’s departure, her work was exhibited at various museums across
Ukraine, including the Kuindzhi Center of Contemporary Art in Mariupol. Due to the Russian
invasion, the location of some of these works is now unknown. Actively supporting Ukraine in
the fight against Russian aggression, she has used her art to raise funds and engender hope for
the future.
OLENA MOSIYEVYCH
Between Roots and Horizon
Opening reception: Friday, February 7, 7:00 pm
February 7 – March 8, 2025
Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago 2249 W.
Superior St. Chicago, Illinois 60612