Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Motanka

Name Class Date

oleh denysenko, Motanka (2016). Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder.

The facts

Artist
oleh denysenko artsdot.com/en/artists/oleh-denysenko/
Artist’s dates
1961 – ?
Painted
2016

In context

Motanka — oleh denysenko

When was this painted?

  1. 1960
  2. 1970
  3. 1980
  4. 1990
  5. 2000
  6. 2010

Shaded: the lifetime of oleh denysenko (1961–?) ▲ this work, 2016

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: artsdot.com/en/art/similar/oleh-denysenko-motanka-D3DEXP-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Rosy Brown #c6b281

    Catalogued palette

    • #C6B281
    • #4B372C
    • #AA8B52
    • #83613C
    Palette
    Dark The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Rosy Brown
    Intensity
    Vivid How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Balanced How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Strong Color Unity How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Bright How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Clear Color Presence How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    oleh denysenko

    Born in Lviv, Ukraine

    Oleh Denysenko: A Visionary of Intaglio and Digital Alchemy

    Oleh Denysenko, born in Lviv, Ukraine in 1961, stands as a singular figure within contemporary Ukrainian art. His artistic journey began with formal training at the Ukrainian Academy of Printing, grounding him in the traditions of printmaking while simultaneously propelling him toward innovative explorations of mixed media.

    Early Influences: Denysenko’s formative years were steeped in Ukrainian folklore and mythology, shaping his fascination with narratives rooted in history and imbued with symbolic depth.

    Technical Mastery: He honed his craft through meticulous etching techniques, achieving unparalleled precision and capturing subtle tonal variations—a hallmark of the Northern Renaissance masters he admires.

    The Birth of Antiqvitas Nova: Recognizing limitations within conventional printmaking, Denysenko pioneered “Antiqvitas Nova,” a groundbreaking artistic approach that seamlessly blends intaglio printing with digital manipulation. This technique allows for breathtaking detail and textural complexity unattainable through traditional methods.

    His oeuvre is characterized by fantastical imagery interwoven with historical references—Columbus’s voyage juxtaposed against intricate mechanical symbolism, figures soaring amidst ethereal landscapes reminiscent of medieval illuminated manuscripts.

    Notable Artwork Explorations

    Flying Pilgrim (1997): This evocative painting depicts celestial beings traversing the heavens, utilizing vibrant colors and delicate brushstrokes to convey a sense of spiritual transcendence.

    Eternal Flight (2008): A haunting engraving delves into themes of exploration and remembrance, featuring Columbus alongside symbolic representations of time and progress—a testament to Denysenko’s ability to distill complex ideas into visually arresting compositions.

    Shadows Of Unforgotten Ancestors II (2014): This mesmerizing artwork explores the enduring legacy of Ukrainian heritage through layered textures and evocative imagery, reflecting a profound connection to folklore and ancestral memory.

    Denysenko’s work transcends mere aesthetic beauty; it engages viewers in contemplation about humanity's relationship with history, mythology, and the boundless potential of artistic innovation.

    Where to read more

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Motanka

    artsdot.com/en/art/download/oleh-denysenko-motanka-D3DEXP-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    denysenko, oleh. Motanka. 2016, https://artsdot.com/en/art/oleh-denysenko-motanka-D3DEXP-en/
    APA
    denysenko, oleh (2016). Motanka [Painting]. https://artsdot.com/en/art/oleh-denysenko-motanka-D3DEXP-en/
    Chicago
    oleh denysenko. Motanka. 2016. https://artsdot.com/en/art/oleh-denysenko-motanka-D3DEXP-en/
    Harvard
    denysenko, oleh (2016) Motanka. Available at: https://artsdot.com/en/art/oleh-denysenko-motanka-D3DEXP-en/

    Look closely

    Motanka — oleh denysenko

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Head (2008), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. oleh denysenko was about 55 when this was made. What in it looks like the work of an artist at that stage?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.