Reviving the Legacy of Olga Rapay
In May 2023, the National Museum of Ukrainian Folk Decorative Art opened the exhibition “The Strength of Fragility”, dedicated to the work of renowned Ukrainian ceramic artist Olga Rapay. This project was the result of joint efforts by the museum and the Association of Art Critics, Experts, Appraisers, and Restorers of Ukraine, aiming to locate and restore the artist’s works that were long considered lost.
Olga Rapay is well known for her monumental ceramic compositions that once adorned various public buildings in Kyiv, including the Central Department Store, the Republican Children's Library, and the Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology. Among her most iconic creations were the ceramic panels and bas-reliefs made for the interiors of the Bratislava Hotel, which had been dismantled and thought to be lost — until they were unexpectedly discovered in storage under layers of dust.
The “Strength of Fragility” exhibition showcased these restored ceramic panels, including a series of city emblems of Kyiv’s sister cities and sculptures of women in national attire. These works reflect Rapay’s deep respect for cultural diversity and her remarkable ability to convey national character through ceramic form and color.
The exhibition consisted of two parts:
- “The Power of Support” (until July 10, 2023), featuring the heraldic series
- “The Power of Roots” (until August 25, 2023), which presented monumental historical-themed bas-reliefs
A vital part of the project included educational events: lectures, sculpture, embroidery, and restoration workshops, as well as creative meetings dedicated to the preservation of cultural heritage during wartime. These activities actively engaged the public in reflecting on the importance of protecting artistic heritage and the role of culture in contemporary Ukrainian identity.
The “Strength of Fragility” exhibition not only revived Olga Rapay’s unique artworks but also highlighted the significance of preserving Ukraine’s cultural legacy. It served as a reminder of the delicate yet resilient power of art to endure and speak across generations.
