Paliy Igor - Ukrainian artist

Ihor PALIY – world famous Ukrainian artist. Specializes in abstract art, a combination of abstract art and realism; execution technique – oil painting on canvas; Main directions: abstractionism, a combination of geometric shapes and realistic figures, which for the most part carry symbolic content.

Early years

Born on May 10, 1963 in the city of Drohobych, Lviv region, Ukraine. During his school years, he attended art school, where his talent was noticed by teachers. These first steps in the world of art determined his future fate.

Education and the beginning of a creative path

After graduating from school, Paliy entered the Lvov State School of Applied and Decorative Arts named after Ivan Trush, where he received a thorough artistic education. Here he mastered various techniques and styles of painting, which allowed him to further experiment with form and color. During this period, Paliy actively participated in student exhibitions, showing his first serious works.

Paliy was trained as an architect in Lvov, but in search of creative freedom he went to the Far East, where he became interested in Chinese and Japanese philosophy.

Career and creativity

After graduation, Igor Paliy returned to his native Drohobych, where he began his professional activity as an artist. His works have attracted the attention of local art historians and collectors due to his unique style and technique.

In the 80s he moved to Sakhalin, where he worked as the chief artist of the Trade Advertising Combine. Since 1992 he lived and worked in Krakow, then returned to Ukraine, where he was engaged in artistic forging. Member of the CFS and SAU, participant of numerous exhibitions, laureate of many competitions. The main directions of creativity: abstractionism, combining geometric shapes with realistic figures.

After returning to Ukraine, he created his own unique style, combining elements of impressionism and abstractionism.

Among the artist’s famous works are “Spring in the Carpathians” (1995), “Drohobych Evening” (2001), “Ukrainian Motif” (2008) and “Old Lviv” (2012). "The Swing of Your Own Ego" (2023), "Hope" (2024) and "The Heretic's Jewelry" (2023).

Each of these paintings has its own unique story, reflecting a certain period in the artist’s life:

· "Spring in the Carpathians" (1995): This work reflects the beauty and grandeur of the Carpathian Mountains in spring. The painting is made in bright, rich colors that convey the awakening of nature.

· “Drohobych Evening” (2001): In this picture, Paliy captured the evening Drohobych, its ancient streets and architecture. The work is done in warm colors, creating a feeling of comfort and peace.

· “Ukrainian Motif” (2008): The painting displays traditional Ukrainian motifs and symbols. Bright colors and detailed elements convey the richness of Ukrainian culture.

· “Old Lviv” (2012): This work is a tribute to the artist’s favorite city. The picture is made in a retro style, conveying the atmosphere of old Lviv with its unique architecture and cozy streets.

Style and technique

Ihor Paliy is known for his unique style, which can be described as a synthesis of realism and abstractionism. His paintings are bright, dynamic and filled with emotion using rich colors and complex compositions. The subject matter of his works often includes ancient, biblical and Renaissance compositions, which gives his works deep meaning and intrigue.

The main themes of his work are nature, people and city landscapes. Paliy often uses rich colors and complex compositional solutions, which makes his work easily recognizable and memorable.

Exhibitions and recognition

The artist’s first personal exhibition took place in 1993 in Lvov (Ukraine), the following year Igor Paliy held his first personal exhibition in Budapest (Hungary). In recent years, the artist has been actively exhibiting his works in galleries in the United States. To date, Igor Paliy has held more than 15 exhibitions around the world, his paintings are in private collections in Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, Germany, France and the USA.

Ihor Paliy actively participated in various exhibitions both in Ukraine and abroad. His works were exhibited in Kyiv, Lvov, Odessa, as well as in galleries in Poland, Germany and France.

· 1988 – receives the main prize for political illustration in Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk;

· 1993 – first personal exhibition at the Lviv Art Gallery;

· 1994 – second personal exhibition at the Lviv Art Gallery;

· 1994 – participates in the collective exhibition “HungExpo”, Budapest;

· 1994 – took part in the Ukrainian plein air "Maidan 1994" in Lvov, Ukraine;

· 1995 – Paly presents his paintings at the second collective exhibition in Budapest;

· 1996 – begins collaboration with the Krakow gallery “Barbara Krakow Gallery”;

· 1996 – exhibits paintings in galleries in Poland.

· 2002 – participates in the international exhibition in Cologne, Germany;

· 2003 – 2004 – personal exhibition of Palia in Dijon, France;

· 2005 – personal exhibition in Kyiv: Exhibition at the National Art Museum of Ukraine, where the best works of the artist were presented, aroused great interest and positive reviews from critics.

· 2010 – international exhibition in Paris: Participation in the international exhibition of contemporary art, where Palia’s works were highly appreciated by European art critics.

· 2015 – group exhibition in Lviv: Joint exhibition with other Ukrainian artists, dedicated to Ukrainian art of the 20th century.

Personal life and legacy

Igor Paliy lives in Drohobych, where he continues to actively create and participate in the cultural life of the city. His works are in private collections, museums, and also decorate public places and buildings. The artist is engaged in teaching, passing on his experience and knowledge to the younger generation of artists.

Interesting facts

- Numerous awards: Paliy is the owner of many awards and diplomas for his contribution to the development of Ukrainian art.

- Social activity: The artist actively participates in charity projects aimed at supporting young talents and developing culture in the region.

- Experimenter: Ihor Paliy constantly experiments with new techniques and materials, seeking to expand the limits of his creativity.

– His grandmother, Ivanna Nizhnik-Vinnikov, personally knew Picasso. Picasso gave the Ukrainian artist the opportunity to work in his Paris workshop. Grandfather - Yuri Kulchitsky was a landmark artist first of Ukraine and then of France.

Igor Orestovich Paliy continues to be one of the key figures of modern Ukrainian art, his works inspire and delight viewers with their depth and emotionality. His works are in many private and public collections.