About

 

Kateryna Kryvolap is a Canadian artist, originally from Ukraine, whose passion for fine art was nurtured in an artistic family. A member of the Canadian Artists' Association, she is known for contemporary and traditional decorative painting, particularly Petrykivka — a Ukrainian folk art form recognized by UNESCO.

Her goal is to make Petrykivka Art well-known globally, combining traditional techniques with modern aesthetics. Based in Canada, Kateryna’s work has been exhibited in numerous countries including the USA, South Korea, Italy, and Canada. 

She is also the founder of Kryvolap Art Academy, where she has taught over 3,000 students from around the world, sharing the rich cultural heritage of Petrykivka Art with a modern twist.

Petrykivka, rooted in Ukrainian folk traditions, often symbolizes prosperity, health, and love. Kateryna’s paintings continue this tradition, with each work not only serving as decoration but also carrying a deeper meaning — a celebration of harmony and well-being. Through her art and teaching, she inspires new generations to explore the richness of this unique cultural heritage while adapting it to the present.

 

Participation in exhibitions:

• Art Exhibition "2025 EME - Painting Intake", The Federation of Canadian Artists, Vancouver, Canada, January 7 - 26, 2025
• Solo Exhibition at Ukrainian National Museum of Chicago, Chicago, USA December 6 - 27, 2024
• Solo Exhibition "Petrykivka. Kryvolap. Edmonton.", ACUA, Edmonton, Canada, March 8 - 30, 2024
• Art Exhibition at the CICA Museum "Nature 2024." Gyeonggi-do, Korea, February 2024
• Solo Exhibition, Artienda Art Gallery Manila, Philippines, October 20, 2023
• Solo Exhibition "Petrykivka. Kryvolap. New York." 404 Broadway, Manhattan, New York USA, May 26, 2023
• Art Exhibition at the cSPACE King Edward, Calgary, Canada April 24 - 30, 2023
• "Artexpo New York 2023" The World's Original Fine Art Trade Show, New York USA, March 30 - April 2, 2023
• "Philadelphia Flower Show" Philadelphia Convention Center, Philadelphia USA March 4 -12, 2023
• "ART EXPO ALGARVE" International Contemporary Art Fair, Portimao, Portugal February 10 - 12, 2023
• Art Show "Our Hands", Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts, Edmonton November 4 - December 4, 2022
• "ART SHOPPING PARIS" Paris International Contemporary Art Fair, Carrousel du Louvre, Paris, France October 21 -  23, 2022
• Solidarity Art Exhibition “Artists for Ukraine”  Amoreiras, Lisbon, Portugal. September 15 - 30, 2022
• Solo Exhibition "Petrykivka", 2050 Chevrier Blvd, Winnipeg, Canada, September 10, 2022
• Solo Exhibition "Petrykivka: Modern Stream in Ukrainian Decorative Art", Saint John Arts Centre, New Brunswick, Canada  September 10 - October 29, 2021
• Solo Exhibition "Heritage and Traditions" Grand Manan Art Gallery, New Brunswick, Canada August 22 - September  5, 2021
• "ISLAND ART & ARTISAN" ONLINE SHOW, Grand Manan Art Gallery, New Brunswick, Canada June 21 - July 3, 2021
• "DREAMY LANDSCAPES" VIRTUAL EXHIBITION, The LUX GalleryAbrantes, Portugal September 5 – September 26, 2020
• "SQUARE FOOT" ONLINE SHOW, Grand Manan Art Gallery, New Brunswick, Canada August 1 - December 31, 2020
• "ISLAND ART & ARTISAN" ONLINE SHOW, Grand Manan Art Gallery, New Brunswick, Canada July 1 - December 31, 2020
• "ART BRINGS CULTURES TOGETHER" Steinbach, MB, Canada January 8 – February 28, 2020
• "ART SYMPOSIUM" Galleria Merlino Bottega D'Arte, Firenze, Italy  December 16 - December 24 , 2019
• "CONTEMPORARY ART TRENDS" Galleria Merlino Firenze, Italy  November 23 - December 3, 2019
• "ART SHOPPING PARIS" Paris International Contemporary Art Fair, Carrousel du Louvre Parigi, Paris, France October 18 - October 20, 2019
• "ART SHOWROOM 2019" Galleria Bottega d’Arte Merlino in Florence, Italy   July 17 - August 31, 2019
• "MosasART" in The Canadian Fossil Discovery Centre in Morden, Manitoba, Canada May - July, 2019
  
  
  
                                                       Petrykivka
  
  

  Petrykivka painting is a phenomenon of the Ukrainian ornamental folk art. It is inscribed in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO.

  The name Petrykivka comes from the village Petrykivka in Ukraine. Petrykivka painting style is known since XVII century when it was traditionally used to decorate living quarters, household belongings and musical instruments.

  Petrykivka painting is traditionally presented in abstract shapes of flowers either fantastic or real ones. The traditional imagery is most commonly combined with depiction of fictional birds such as phoenix or firebird which represent harmony and happiness. Petrykivka art is rich in symbolism. In folk belief, the paintings protect people from sorrow.

  Petrykivka painting is two dimensional, flat by design. Animals are depicted in profile. Flowers are commonly shown head-on. Pictorial elements are depicted using a single brush stroke. It is worth to mention that Petrykivka artists prefer not to use sketches and measuring tools.

  Most traditional Petrykivka paintings are created on white background since historically pictures were made on white walls. Сontemporary Petrykivka artists are free to use various background colors though.

  Petrykivka decorative painting continues to develop as a modern art form. Contemporary Petrykivka artists create original paintings by adding new ornamental elements, using variety of colors and thereby transferring, renewing and enhancing traditional Petrykivka.