Exhibition
A SONG TO MY BELOVED, an exhibition of art by Roksolyana Pidhainy Benoit
Sunday, May 4, 2025 to Friday, May 30, 2025, Opening Reception: Sunday, May 4 at 2 PM
Shevchenko Museum, 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto
The Shevchenko Museum is pleased to open A SONG TO MY BELOVED - an exhibition of pastels by Roksolyana Pidhainy Benoit. Opening reception will be held on Sunday, May 4 at 2 pm, in the Shevchenko Museum at 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto. The artist, for whom this is a second solo show in the Shevchenko Museum, will be present. Refreshments served.
Born in Toronto, Roksolyana spent her childhood years in both Canada and the United States where her father, a professor of Ukrainian history, taught in various universities. From early on, under his influence, a profound love for Ukraine grew within her, and she reflects that love of her heritage through the use of Ukrainian symbols in her artwork. Sacred themes of family, home, hearth, and the bond between mothers and daughters all figure prominently as she creates a compelling blend of the intellectual-historical traditions of her father with the emotional, at-home traditions of her mother.
Created between 2019 and 2025 A SONG TO MY BELOVED will feature pastel portraits and still-life compositions influenced both by her Ukrainian culture and her admiration of the great masters – Rembrandt, Cezanne, and Degas. An additional source of inspiration in her art is the story of Roksolyana, the young Ukrainian woman captured by the Turks in the 16th century, who went on to become a beloved wife of and key adviser to Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
Exuding great energy, Roksolyana Pidhainy Benoit bravely transfers her innermost emotions on to paper. “My first love and abiding passion is portraiture”, says the artist. “A portrait is a window into the state and the soul, a dance between the artist and the subject. Are they always pretty? I'm searching for that beauty that is truth.”
A graduate of the Ontario College of Art, and a member of the Ukrainian Association of Visual Artists of Canada, Roksolyana has participated in various group shows and her works are located in private collections across Canada and the USA.
The exhibition will continue until May 30. Gallery hours: Mon-Wed, Fri 10am - 4pm; Thurs 12-7pm, weekends and holidays by appointment. Although admission is free, donations are greatly appreciated.
Shevchenko Museum
1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto ON M6P 1A7
Tel: 416-534-8662