On February 10, 2025, the spacious hall of the Palazzo della Cancelleria, built in the late Middle Ages in the heart of Rome, was completely packed. Thanks to the efforts of the Ukrainian Embassy to the Holy See and Ambassador Andrii Yurash and his wife Diana Yurash, in collaboration with the "Society of Friends of Ukraine" from Poland and Weronika Marczuk, the opening of a solo exhibition by the brilliant Ukrainian artist Ivan Marchuk took place here.
The Maestro himself attended the exhibition, receiving a standing ovation from the crowd. Diplomats accredited to the Holy See, journalists, clergy, politicians, businessmen, and art enthusiasts greeted the artist, who so deeply and fully captured Ukraine in his works. In his opening speech, delivered in three languages, the Ukrainian Ambassador to the Holy See, Andrii Yurash, thanked the Maestro and everyone involved in organizing the exhibition, spoke about his creativity, and emphasized how important this event was, especially now, during the horrific aggression of Russia against Ukraine. The exhibition curator, renowned Italian art critic, skillfully and professionally introduced the Maestro's work to the Italian audience, comparing him to Dali and Picasso, calling him one of the greatest contemporary artists in the world. The co-organizer of the exhibition, Ms. Weronika Olena Marczuk, head of the "Society of Friends of Ukraine" in Poland, presented the Maestro's creative legacy and introduced the partners of the event.
Next, Maestro Marchuk himself was invited to speak. He thanked everyone for the warm welcome, emphasizing the high level of professional artistic discussion.
"I am full of impressions. Thank you all for this," said the artist. "I have always been interested in horizons. Because I always move forward, never looking back. Because those who look back will never reach the horizon. And beyond the horizon, there is always a new horizon. That's how you get a view of infinity," emphasized Ivan Marchuk.
"For two weeks, I leave my paintings with you. They will tell you everything, and I will rest," concluded the Maestro, inviting everyone to visit the exhibition, which would run for two weeks, on weekdays from 10:00 to 13:00 and from 15:00 to 18:00.
Through the presence of Senator Cinzia Pellegrino from the Fratelli d’Italia party at the exhibition opening, the organizers presented a gift to Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni: a diploma about Ivan Marchuk's creativity and a set of collectible wine bottles, each featuring a painting by the Maestro.
