Works by Andrii Levytskyi for the “Homage à trois” Project (Barcelona, Spain)

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Andrii Levytskyi is a well-known Kyivan graphic artist, a recognized master of gravure printing (intaglio). The artist has been participating regularly in the “Homage à trois” (Tribute to Three) project, which takes place in Barcelona (Spain) on the initiative of the Duana de les Arts – AIDA International Association – since 2021. Only masters of graphic art can participate in the project. It should commemorate three literary figures on the occasion of their birthday anniversaries, and the artists should choose at least two of the three proposed personalities. Intaglio 2021, satisfying the conditions of the project, at the same time continues seamlessly the themes and motifs peculiar to Andrii Levytskyi’s heritage in general. Poem about a Henna Tree (Jean Lafontaine) is somewhat unexpected and paradoxical, but naturally connected with the artist’s favourite images of trees. In the Player the themes of confrontation, game, rivalry are developed. They are arisen, in particular, in the intaglio Motus Animi Continuus (2021). Three works of 2022, made in the computer design technique, are distinguished by a bright and at the same time elegant color solution. The artist is inspired by themes of the theater and, widely, carnival culture (Molière’s Mask), Japanese art (IchiyōHiguchi’s Stream). The work for the anniversary of the legendary German romantic Novalis (Ask Baron: Is Religion the Opium of the Peoples) is especially unexpected. In 2023, Andrii Levytskyi has returned to the intaglio technique again and at the same time abandoned color. The works dedicated to Federico García Lorca (At Five O’clock in the Afternoon) and Wisława Szymborska, winner of the Nobel Prize (Cat in an Empty Apartment), are the artist’s reflections on the theme of death, while the work Dream. My Ántonia (based on the novel by Willa Cather) softens their tragical essence. The Ukrainian artist’s works dedicated to Molière, Novalis and Willa Cather have been nominated and awarded by the organizers of “Homage à trois”. Taking part in the international artistic projects, and even more so winning in them, Ukrainian artists contribute actively to the creation of a positive image of the state. After all, the culture of Ukraine consists not only of the historical heritage, but also of the works of modern masters.