Kizenko Nestor - Ukrainian artist
Kizenko Nestor (also - Kyzenko Nestor; 1926-2007) – a distinctive Ukrainian artist whose work, imbued with a love for his native land and a deep understanding of the folk soul, left a bright mark on Ukrainian art. A member of the Union of Folk Masters of Ukraine, Kizenko navigated a challenging life path before fully dedicating himself to painting.
Nestor was born on March 14, 1926, in the picturesque khutir (hamlet) of Bizh near the village of Khoruzhivka in the Sumy region, into the family of a rural blacksmith. The artist's childhood was not easy: poverty, working as a shepherd, and only four years of education. The war also left its imprint – as a young man, Kizenko was forced into labor in Germany.
After the war, fate led Nestor to the army, where he served in Bulgaria and the Caucasus. It was in Tbilisi, during his military service, that Kizenko, thanks to his commander's permission, became a student of the art course at the Tbilisi Academy of Arts, where he received his first fundamental knowledge of painting and drawing from Vasyl Shukhayev. These five years of study became decisive in his formation as a professional artist.
In 1956, Nestor Kizenko returned to his native Sumy region with his family, settling in the town of Nedryhailiv. Here, he worked at the district house of culture, teaching children to draw, and devoted all his free time to his beloved pursuit – painting. His sincere and insightful paintings quickly won the affection of his fellow countrymen, first appearing at exhibitions during folk festivals and holidays.
In 1969, Nestor Kizenko was awarded the Pylyp Rud' regional prize, which became the first official recognition of his talent. In 2000, already a recognized folk master, he became a member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine. His work reached far beyond his native land – in 2001, Kizenko's paintings were successfully exhibited in Santa Barbara, California, USA, where they gained new admirers.
Nestor Kizenko masterfully worked in the genres of still life, portrait, and landscape. A special place in his oeuvre was occupied by the landscapes of his native Posul' region, with its clean peasant houses under thatched roofs, dreamy windmills, wells, and churches with high domes. The artist had a special feeling for the Ukrainian landscape, skillfully conveying its quiet beauty and deep spirituality. His paintings seem to glow from within, evoking warm and poignant feelings in the viewer.
The works of Nestor Kizenko are held in the museum collections of Kyiv, Sumy, and Romny, as well as in private collections in Canada, Great Britain, Ukraine, the USA, and Germany. Late in life, the artist met his patron from Canada, Volodymyr Belyayev-Belanger, who supported his work and helped him discover new horizons.
Nestor Kizenko passed away on March 5, 2007, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to touch the hearts of admirers of his talent and is a valuable contribution to Ukrainian folk art. The memory of the outstanding artist is honored by the holding of a competition named after him in Nedryhailiv, established to support young talents. The third President of Ukraine, Viktor Yushchenko, was also an admirer of the artist's work.
