MIAMI BEACH – After many recent successful art exhibits in Ukraine, Italy, England and the United States, Ola Rondiak was invited by Peter Tauvers, owner of Tauvers Gallery International in Kyiv, to display her artwork in his gallery at Art Context Miami during Art Basel in Miami Beach on December 4-9, 2018.
This is an extravaganza of art for collectors, artists, critics and art enthusiasts, showcasing established galleries from all over the world, as well as newcomers. In its 17th year, for six days and nights in December, Miami’s beautiful weather and glamorous reputation entices spectators from all over the world to savor the art, enjoy the spectacular cuisine and attend parties to all hours. Each year, collectors and investors purchase in greater volume and price, making this event not one to be missed. The art ranges from contemporary, frivolous and outrageous to the classic, so there is something for everyone.
In this hustle and bustle, Ms. Rondiak stood out with her colorful and engaging portrait collages of Ukrainian women, who depict the artist’s respect for Ukrainian women’s strength and endurance throughout the history of Ukraine’s suffering. Together with her “Motanka” sculptures made of plaster of Paris, which symbolize the protectresses of Ukraine, Ms. Rondiak’s presentation caught the attention of attendees, among them curators of other museums, who wanted to know what inspired her art.
Peter Tauvers
At the exhibit (from left) are: Oksana Piaseckyj, artist Ola Rondiak, Orysia Hamersky and Natalka Masny-Bubanj.
Ms. Rondiak explained that as a daughter of immigrants, she was immersed in the culture of her heritage and the struggle that Ukraine had to endure to become an independent country. This exhibit was a wonderful opportunity to relate her work to the political turmoil of today. The images of heroic women surviving through hardships found their voices in Ms. Rondiak’s art. Her large “Motanka” was sold on the first night.
As soon as the Ukrainian community in South Florida heard of this exhibit, art enthusiasts came to visit Ms. Rondiak and express their delight to have her art here in Miami.
During Art Basel week, Ms. Rondiak simultaneously had an exhibit at the Ivan Honchar Museum in Kyiv, which marked the fifth anniversary of the Maidan. It was co-sponsored by the National Museum of the Revolution of Dignity, which will have eight of Ms. Rondiak’s works in its collection.
Ms. Rondiak has planned exhibits in Paris in March; Berlin in April; Kyiv in June; Los Angeles in August, and at Art Basel in December.