10/16/2026
NEW DONATION
Lana Matskiv — "Letters from the Past" (2026), oil on canvas
"Letters from the Past" is a richly layered oil painting by Ukrainian‑Canadian artist Lana Matskiv Lanamatskivart, created in 2026 as part of her ongoing project on Ukrainian immigration to Canada.
At the centre of the composition, a radiant bouquet of sunflowers — a symbol of Ukrainian cultural identity. Surrounding it, everyday objects of rural life appear: a metal pail filled with vegetables, a loaf of bread, a woven textile in vivid traditional colours. These elements speak to the domestic rituals and farming life that immigrants carried with them, preserving fragments of home in a new land.
Weathered letters and sealed envelopes serve as the focal point that ties the narrative together. They recall the old threads of communication that once connected families across oceans — messages of hope, longing, and endurance.
Lana Matskiv's composition is both intimate and historical, weaving personal memory with collective experience. Through the use of colour, texture, and symbolism, she invites viewers to reflect on the courage of those who left their homeland, the cultural treasures they carried with them, and the stories preserved in the quiet artifacts of everyday life.
The Taras Shevchenko Museum extends its heartfelt gratitude to Lana Matskiv for generously donating "Letters from the Past" to our collection. Her contribution enriches our mission to preserve and share the history of Ukrainian life in Canada, ensuring that these stories continue to inspire future generations.
