Boyko Peter - Ukrainian artist

Boyko Petro (also spelled Boiko Petr, Boyko Peter; born 1954, Priluki, Chernihiv region, Ukraine) – a truly exceptional artist and dedicated collector, a personality of immense talent and boundless sincerity. He possesses a genuine zest for life, people, and art, and his name is proudly listed in the esteemed "Golden Fund of the Nation" — a testament to his significant contributions.

From the tender age of five, and continuing to this day, he has been an avid and passionate collector. In his youth, he identified strongly with the "hippie" movement, traveling extensively and embracing a non-conformist lifestyle. His rebellious, anti-Soviet behavior often led to confrontations and detentions by the police and the KGB. Due to his unwavering oppositionist views, he was notably sent for compulsory military service to a "construction battalion" in the remote Arkhangelsk region, where he was tasked with felling trees – a powerful illustration of his enduring spirit and convictions.

His personal house-museum stands as a remarkable testament to his lifelong passion, housing hundreds of diverse examples of painting and antiquities. Beyond collecting, Boyko is also a prolific artist in his own right. He frequently joined fellow Priluki artists for sketching excursions, a practice that eventually led him to formal artistic training. In 1985, he enrolled in the Moscow All-Union People's Academy of Painting, where he studied under L. Kastorina and successfully graduated in 1993. During his studies, he had the invaluable opportunity to take lessons from renowned masters such as Ilya Glazunov and Zurab Tsereteli, further shaping his artistic voice.

Beginning in the 1980s, he regularly traveled to Odesa, actively engaging with non-conformist artists and prominent representatives of the Odesa avant-garde. Among them were Valeriy Basanets, Eduard Usov, and Yuriy Kovalenko, as well as the Priluki artist Peter Mironenko. It was the mentorship and artistic influence of Yuriy Kovalenko, in particular, that profoundly impacted Boyko's worldview, creative style, and overarching life philosophy.

Since 1992, he has been a consistent participant in regional and national Ukrainian art exhibitions, gaining widespread recognition. His impactful personal exhibitions have been held in Chernihiv (2010), Kyiv (2011), and Odesa (2012). In 2012, he was officially admitted as a Member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine, solidifying his esteemed position within the country's art community.

Of particular note is his participation in the prestigious "Ukrainian seasons of modern art in Hong Kong" exhibition. This significant international project showcased works by leading Ukrainian artists, including Andrey Babchynsky, Vadym Bondero, Inna Khasileva, Albina Yaloza, and Petro Boyko, further elevating his global profile.

Petro Boyko was also one of thirteen artists whose works were featured in the highly-regarded "Hipsters in Kyiv" exhibition, held at the "Sofia" art gallery from December 13, 2008, to January 14, 2009, demonstrating his relevance in contemporary art discourse.

The artist's oeuvre is characterized by an original and truly unique style. His work masterfully unifies the past and present within his distinctive spiritual artistic space. It is perhaps no coincidence that he gravitated towards the Transavant-garde (or Neo-Expressionism) movement in art, a direction that perfectly complements his bold and expressive vision.

Peter Boyko's works are highly sought after and can be found in significant public and private collections. His pieces are permanently housed in the Odesa Museum of Modern Art, the Odesa Literary Museum, the Chernihiv Regional Art Museum named after H. Halahan, and the Prilutsk Museum of Local History. Additionally, his captivating artworks are held in private collections across Ukraine, Germany, Israel, and the USA, underscoring his international appeal.

Read also:

• Photo Report from the Exhibition: "Bright and candid canvases of Peter Boyko"
• Photo Report from the Exhibition in Honor of the Artist's 70th Anniversary: "The colorful world of artist Peter Boyko"