I recently had the good fortune to work again with Dzvinka Hayda, noted educator, author and promoter of Ukrainian history through the Ukrainian American Archives & Museum of Detroit.
This project was to create an image to be used in the museum's exhibit at the Detroit Historical Museum's community gallery: A CULTURAL THREAD: The Enduring Ukrainian Spirit.
The full-length portrait of the maiden in a dance pose will be prepared life-size and be an impressive opening to the space. Her century-old costume is made primarily of linen, with hand-embroidered embellishments.
The opening of borders in Ukraine since its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991 has unfortunately led to a dissemination of the nation's historical artifacts. Textiles like these are being sold, exported and sadly, fragmented to be re-purposed into new garments by designers and hobbyists.
It is hoped that this trade will get noticed and that the valuable artifacts of history will remain in Ukraine or be properly cared for when they are removed to other countries. The Ukrainian American Archives & Museum in Detroit will include beautiful historical textiles like these in folk wear and embroidery at the upcoming exhibition.
Thank you to costume expert Svitlana, to our model Dimitra, and to Boris for his great interest in Ukrainian cultural heritage.
