Mihail Statnii: through traditions towards the universal art

Abstract

The native village in the north of Moldova where Mihail Statnîi was born – Beleavinț, Briceni, with a predominantly Ukrainian population, with spectacular traditions preserved from his ancestors, has profoundly marked his artistic destiny. Few of our artists have approached with such consistency and dedication the themes of rustic life, traditional winter celebrations, wedding customs, carpet weaving etc. The velvety coloring and the resonant decoration of his paintings express the charming Bucovina, but also the universe of the childhood, the native village, the myths and legends of these lands. It is significant that Mihail Statnîi named his jubilee exhibition, which was held on the occasion of his 80th birthday, after the unfailing source of his inspiration – Traditions.