"A vytynanka is a picture made of paper. It is created when you cut away all the excess from the paper using scissors or a special knife".

   Our next story will be about “Vytynanky” and their wonderful author Nataliya Huliayeva-Smahlo. The “Vytynanky” are pictures made of finely cut paper. “Vytynanka” (singular form of “Vytynanky”) originated as a home decoration, mainly for the walls decoration. Traditionally, they were made of paper folded in half, in quarters, in eighths, etc., so symmetry would be one of their characteristics. During soviet time, the value of this art form was diminished, and it was practically banned.

   The most famous “Vytynanky” are made of white paper, but nowadays masters also make multi-layered “Vytynanky” of colored paper. When we were preparing the exhibition, we definitely wanted to introduce this traditional Ukrainian art and craft to American visitors. Because we have shown Ukrainian “Vytynanka” in the exhibition for the first time in Massachusetts history, we chose those with classical themes.  

   Nataliya Huliayeva-Smahlo, the author of our “Vytynanky”, is an artist who has chosen to devote her life to education. She now lives and works in Ukraine. Nataliya wrote and published first book (2008) for teachers in a modern history of Ukraine about creating vytynanka! She made drawings for more than 30 books (fairy tales, legends, poems), and created illustrations for the coloring book "Hetmans of Ukraine." She has an inner desire for discovery. This is why her achievements include works on fabric, Petrykivka paintings, and even large-format wall paintings! She has more than 20 years of teaching experience, enriching school-age of Ukrainian children with beauty. Nataliya Huliayeva-Smahlo has participated in numerous exhibitions in Ukraine, Poland and USA. Her works are part of private collections in Ukraine, Lithuania, Germany, Poland, the USA, and Switzerland. 

    Nataliya Huliayeva-Smahlo likes to experiment with the material for Vytynanky and with the story, creating both traditional images (the tree of life, angels, Vytynanky with floral or animalistic content) and completely new ones (for example, a rendition of Maria Pryimachenko's paintings). 

   By following traditions and developing them in her work, she makes Vytynanky both modern and interesting. Her Vytynanky are very beautiful and recognizable by their style. They charm the viewer with their general idea and bring attention to the skillfully mastered details. 

   Some of her Vytynanky are several meters long and could be dramatic especially if used to decorate windows, where light pours through these hand-cut designs. 

    Nataliya Huliayeva-Smahlo (Sept. 2023): "Ukrainian art is unique. It is multifaceted, not similar to any other.  

  It is very difficult for Ukrainian artists now. There is a war and economic turmoil. But we persist in painting, embroidering, sculpting, and carving. I'm glad that my works travel around the world and people from other parts of the planet can see what I do. 

  Thank you for supporting Ukraine and our people".