Ukrainian tapestry artists have earned a reputation for uniquely integrating traditional views of the world with modern insights into human choice and destiny. The work of a small but growing number of artists has drawn international attention and consequently, of importance to both museums and the private art collector, prices of original, handmade works by some of these artists is beginning to increase rapidly. Specialty galleries provide access to the better artists and to unconventional but beautiful works.

The rise of European tapestry in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries as a form of artistic expression was centered mainly in the north, particularly in Brussels and Paris, cities that continued to influence the art for the next three centuries. Italian tapestry production arose during the sixteenth century in numerous locations, but the only Italian city that continued to have an important impact on the art into the seventeenth century was Florence. Although early European tapestry frequently had a religious theme, during the late seventeenth and early eighteenth centuries, a shift to a more decorative style was influenced by the fashions of the French court. During this time, the art of tapestry weaving began to spread into other parts of Europe, and the influence of the experiences and traditions of the eastern regions of Europe added a striking richness of variety to the art.

To better appreciate the nature of Ukrainian tapestry, a brief consideration of some young, successful artists will be helpful. The following three short profiles provide insights into the broader, diverse world of eastern European and Ukrainian tapestry art and the Eastern influence on modern European tapestries.

Lidiya Kryshtal has been designing tapestries for more than 17 years and has established a strong reputation in Europe as a master of this art form. She uses a spinning technique, smooth Gobelin hand weaving, which was common in the 18th and 19th centuries to produce warm and beautiful images. Her current work features religious and natural themes and expresses her creative view of the world through traditional Ukrainian folk weaving.

Alexander Kovach is a frequent presenter at European international exhibitions, most recently in Germany and Poland. His abstract work explores both philosophical views of the world and the complexity of nature.

Olga Bryntzeva was the featured exhibitor in the Scythia International Exhibition of Textile Art and winner of the 1998 Silver Medal for Best Artwork. She is known for original tapestries in wool, linen and acrylic. Her work depicts scenes inspired by nature exploring the feminine aspects of the world.

The economic impact of Ukrainian emigration since the collapse of the Soviet Union is of significant interest to the fine art collector. With increasing numbers of Ukrainian and other eastern Europeans in leading academic centers, and affiliated with successful businesses in growing markets, the demand for art from their native land is growing among this group of newly affluent collectors. In addition, as knowledge of, and appreciation for, this unique art form expands in more traditional centers of art, the demand for original handmade tapestries created by Ukrainian artists is beginning to outstrip the supply.

For the investor who is knowledgeable enough in this field to make wise purchase decisions, original Ukrainian tapestries are likely to outpace inflation from a capital appreciation perspective, and provide many years of esthetic enjoyment from an art appreciation perspective.