Gabriel Chanan to Give Talk on Ukrainian and Russian Painting
Lecture hosted by The Arts Society Chiswick looks at their intertwined history
Life is everywhere (1846-1898) Nicolai A. Yaroshenko
August 28, 2025
A lecture hosted by The Arts Society Chiswick is to explore the complex history of painting in Ukraine and Russia. The event is organised by The Arts Society Chiswick and will be delivered by social historian and cultural commentator Gabriel Chanan on Thursday 18 September at the Polish Social and Cultural Association (POSK) in Hammersmith.
The talk, titled Painting in Ukraine and Russia 1860 to 1960: Tradition, Experiment, Repression, will examine how artists navigated a century marked by political upheaval, shifting ideologies, and cultural suppression. Drawing on original research and visual examples, Mr Chanan will trace three major stylistic movements—social criticism, modernism, and Soviet conformity—while highlighting the experiences of artists whose work was shaped by, and at times resisted, authoritarian regimes.
The lecture also addresses the historical intermingling of Russian and Ukrainian artistic traditions, and the impact of ‘Russification’ policies that obscured Ukrainian cultural identity under both Tsarist and Soviet rule. The event comes at a time when Ukraine continues efforts to protect its cultural heritage amid ongoing conflict.
Gabriel Chanan, who began lecturing on art history in 2015 following a career in social research and policy, is known for his work on the intersection of art and society. His presentation will include examples of painters who remain little known in the West, as well as those who played significant roles in the development of modernist movements.
The lecture begins at 8pm, with doors and a private bar opening at 7pm. Tickets are available on the door for £15. The event is open to the public and is part of The Arts Society Chiswick’s ongoing programme of cultural talks.
Membership of the Arts Society Chiswick includes ten expert lectures on the second Thursday of every month (except August and December) and the opportunity to participate in tours, visits, social events and Special Interest Days. Half year Membership available from 1 July. For more information see the society's web site.
The Arts Society Chiswick brings people together through a shared curiosity for the arts, to create opportunities for everyone to be part of a diverse community in which they can enjoy, learn about, participate in, and preserve the Arts and Cultural Heritage.
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