A catastrophic dam collapse in southern Ukraine has resulted in the flooding of the house museum of the late artist Polina Rayko. Rayko, whose image of a dove has become a symbol of Ukraine’s resistance to the Russian invasion, has left behind a legacy of artistic brilliance that has been washed away by the devastating flood.
The collapse of the Kakhova dam on the Dnieper River occurred on Tuesday, causing extensive flooding in numerous regions of Ukraine. The Associated Press reports that thousands of people have been left homeless, and tens of thousands are without access to clean drinking water. Ukrainian officials have accused Russian forces of intentionally destroying the dam, labelling it an act of “ecoterrorism.” However, the Russian military has denied any involvement in the disaster.
Polina Rayko’s museum, located in her hometown of Oleshky, was a priceless repository of her life’s work. The self-taught artist used her personal experiences, including the hardships she endured during World War II and the tragic loss of her daughter in a car accident, to create lyrical depictions of fauna and flora. Her unique style involved painting directly onto the walls, ceilings, and doors of her home, creating a truly immersive experience for visitors.
Simon Khramtsov, the head of the foundation responsible for managing Rayko’s legacy, expressed his sorrow in a Facebook post, stating, “As of now (7/6/23 6:00 p.m.), I know that the house with the frescoes is under water.” The loss of Rayko’s museum is a significant blow to the art world and a tragic loss of cultural heritage.
Rayko, born in 1928, began her artistic journey at the age of 69. Despite her late start, her work garnered international acclaim. Her art resonated with audiences, much like that of another Ukrainian folk artist, Maria Prymachenko, whose museum near Kyiv was targeted by Russian missiles during the early stages of the war.
The news of Rayko’s flooded home has been met with widespread sorrow and regret among artists, historians, and museum professionals. British art historian Katy Hessel, the host of the Great Women Artists podcast, took to Instagram to express her devastation, writing, “Devastated to hear of the fall of the Ukrainian town Oleshky… A total work of art, this house is filled to the brim in her signature effervescent style, depicting angels, flowers, animals, and more.”
The loss of Polina Rayko’s house museum is not just a personal tragedy but also a blow to Ukraine’s cultural heritage. As the nation grapples with the aftermath of the dam collapse, efforts to rebuild and preserve the memory of this beloved artist will undoubtedly take center stage in the art community’s collective consciousness.
