Сорока Аркадий
Arkady Soroka (also - Arkadii Soroka; 1921, Vinnytsia - 2010) is an outstanding Ukrainian artist, a master of genre painting, still life, portrait and landscape. His work has become a significant part of the cultural heritage of Ukraine, and his name has entered the history of painting as a symbol of skill and dedication to art.
From a young age, Arkady showed a penchant for drawing, which led him in 1937 to the Odessa State Art School named after Grekov. There he studied under the guidance of recognized masters - Daniil Krainev, Leonid Muchnik and Nikolai Shelyuto. However, his studies were interrupted by the war.
He was a participant in military operations, went through a difficult path, demonstrating courage and fortitude. For his service, he was awarded state awards. After the end of the war, in 1945-1946, he worked in Moscow in the USSR Communications Commissariat. After demobilization, Arkady Vasilyevich returned to his native Vinnitsa, where he began to actively engage in creative work. He joined the Art Fund, taught in art studios, passing on his knowledge and inspiration to young artists. His participation in the artistic life of the country became significant: since 1951, he was a regular participant in regional exhibitions, since 1954 - republican and all-Union, and since 1962 his works were exhibited abroad.
Soroka created more than 5,000 works, including epic thematic paintings, monumental panels, dioramas, as well as numerous landscapes, still lifes and portraits. His works were distinguished by high pictorial culture, subtle coloring and deep content. In his canvases, he glorified the beauty of his native land, creating images filled with life and emotions.
Soroka's work was highly valued in the artistic community. In 1967, he became a member of the Union of Artists of the Ukrainian SSR, and in 1980 he was awarded the title of Honored Artist of the Ukrainian SSR. In 2009, he was awarded the honorary title of People's Artist of Ukraine.
Arkadiy Soroka's works are kept in the largest art museums of Ukraine, such as the Vinnytsia Regional Art Museum, the Donetsk Regional Art Museum, the Museum of Arts of the Carpathian Region, the Luhansk Regional Art Museum, the Ternopil Regional Art Museum, the Chernihiv Art Museum named after Grigory Galagan, the National Museum-Estate of N. I. Pirogov in Vinnytsia, as well as in private collections around the world, including Great Britain, France, Poland, Germany, Belgium, Greece and Spain.
Arkadiy Soroka left behind a rich artistic heritage, which has become the property of not only Ukrainian, but also world culture. His work continues to inspire new artists, and his pieces remain an everlasting testament to his talent, soul and dedication to art.
