Maria Oksentiyivna Prymachenko, also known as Maria Primachenko, is one of Ukraine’s most famous folk artists.
Her vivid, fantastical works in her naïve art style often depict animals, plants and mythical creatures, blending folk traditions with her unique imagination.
She is self-taught and began her artistic journey with embroidery before expanding into ceramics and painting.
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- Full name: Maria Oksentiyivna Prymachenko
- Stage name: Maria Primachenko
- Born: January 12, 1909
- Date of death: August 18, 1997 (age: 88 years old)
- Place of birth: Bologna, Ukraine
- Nationality: Ukrainian
- Occupation: Painter
- Height: unknown
- Parents: Paraska Prymachenko and Oksentii Prymachenko.
- Siblings: 1
- Partner: Vasyl Marynchuk
- Child: Fedir Prymachenko
- Relationship: Widowed
- Net worth: Unknown
Early life and education
Maria Oksentiyivna Prymachenko was born on January 12, 1909 in Bolotnya, Ukraine, to Paraska and Oksentii Prymachenko. Despite facing challenges such as polio that left her physically impaired, Prymachenko’s talent and passion for art persevered.
Although she only had 4 years of formal education, her artistic abilities were recognized and honored throughout Ukraine. Prymachenko’s work is deeply rooted in her Ukrainian ethnicity and her practice of Eastern Orthodox Christianity.
Career
Maria Prymachenko, a self-taught Ukrainian folk artist, began her artistic journey in the 1930s, moving from embroidery to painting. Her unique talent was first recognized at the First Republican Exhibition of Folk Art in 1936, where her lively and imaginative works, deeply rooted in folk culture Ukraine and its natural world, captivated audiences.
This early success brought her international acclaim, culminating in her participation in the 1937 Paris World’s Fair, where she won a gold medal. Her work left a lasting impression on artists like Pablo Picasso, who famously called her work an “artistic miracle.”
Prymachenko has explored many different mediums throughout her prolific career, including painting, ceramics and illustration. Her art is characterized by fantastical creatures, mythological stories, and intricate patterns rendered in bold, striking colors.
These elements reflect her deep connection to Ukrainian traditions and her response to the political and social challenges of her time, such as the Holodomor and World War II.
In the mid-20th century, she became a beloved cultural icon in Ukraine. Her artwork was featured on postage stamps and coins, cementing her status as a national treasure.
In the 1960s, after a hiatus, Prymachenko returned to active artistic production, creating works that continued to honor her cultural roots while also addressing contemporary themes about peace, resilience and solidarity.
Her later paintings often depict surreal images symbolizing the eternal struggle between good and evil, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Today, Maria Prymachenko’s art is a powerful symbol of Ukrainian identity and creativity. It inspires new generations and is increasingly gaining new relevance as a source of national pride in the face of ongoing challenges.
Awards and nominations
- Taras Shevchenko National Prize of Ukraine (1966)
- People’s Artist of Ukraine (1970)
- Gold medal at the Paris World Fair (1937)
Social Media
Maria Prymachenko does not have social media accounts.
Personal life
Both love and tragedy marked the personal life of Maria Prymachenko. She met her life partner, Vasyl Marynchuk, in Kyiv just before the outbreak of World War II.
In March 1941, they welcomed their son, Fedir Prymachenko, but were never able to marry because Vasyl had to fight in the war and tragically lost his life on the front lines. The war left a profound impact on Prymachenko, who also suffered the loss of his brother to Nazi violence.
These devastating events caused her to abandon her artistic pursuits for nearly two decades, devoting herself to raising Fedor and overcoming the challenges of postwar life. Fedor Marynchuk followed in his mother’s footsteps, becoming a folk artist in his own right and preserving her legacy in the world of naive art.
Net worth
Maria Prymachenko’s exact net worth has not been revealed, but her artwork has increased in value significantly over the years. Notably, one of her paintings was sold for $500,000 in a charity auction in 2022, with the proceeds going to support the Ukrainian army.
