CERAMIC WORKS OF ROZALIIA CHABANENKO

Every exhibit in the collection is the result of intricate handiwork. The master artfully combines molded floral and decorative elements with sgraffito (rytuvannia – scratching the contours of the design). The palette of the works is dominated by the warm range of Opishnia majolica: a combination of deep green, fiery red, sunny yellow, and chocolate brown hues under a lustrous glaze. It is a vibrant and distinctive embodiment of the Opishnia ceramic style, where folk traditions intertwine with exceptional artistic craftsmanship. The items in the collection can be divided into several thematic and genre groups: 1. Decorative Zoomorphic Vessels. This is the hallmark of both the artist herself and all of Opishnia. This group includes figurative vessels in the form of animals: – Rams and Lions: Richly decorated with curly manes and horns created using the flandruvannyia technique (traditional Opishnia painting on wet clay). – Goats and Bulls: Vessels that combine utilitarian function (historically used for liquids) with high decorative value. The animals typically bear good-natured, almost fairytale-like facial expressions. 2. Narrative Folk Sculpture (Genre Scenes). These works set the vibrant atmosphere of the "Ukrainian Fair." They consist of small-scale sculptures depicting colorful characters of the Ukrainian village: – Fair Traders and Cossacks: Figurines of people in traditional attire captured in motion (during trading, conversation, or rest). –Everyday Scenes: Miniature compositions radiating folk humor, optimism, and detailed reproductions of elements of daily life from past centuries. 3. Traditional Figurative Vessels and Candlesticks. A group of items demonstrating a flawless mastery of classical pottery forms: – Kumantsi: Traditional donut-shaped, disc-like vessels for beverages with relief floral ornamentation. – Pitchers and Barrels: Elegant forms coated in bright colored glazes (green, brown, yellow). – Intricate Candlesticks: Multi-tiered ceremonial and household candlesticks adorned with molded details such as birds, flowers, and leaves. Features of the Collection's Artistic Style: – Color Palette: The works feature a warm, sunny spectrum – a harmonious blend of terracotta, fiery red, deep green, and rich brown achieved through the use of engobes and glazes. – Decoration Techniques: The master actively utilizes sgraffito (rytuvannia) and molded decor, adding rich texture and volume to each piece. – Atmosphere: All items in the collection share a unified emotional resonance – they are warm, genuine, filled with love for Ukrainian culture and a light touch of folkloric humor.