Taras Lachowsky
Old Souls / New Dreams
Stari Dushi / Novi Mriyi – Old Souls / New Dreams is a St. Volodymyr Institute (SVI) public arts initiative with Guelph, Ontario, visual artist Taras Lachowsky. SVI invited Taras to animate our neighbourhood by displaying his vibrant artwork inspired by Vytynanky (traditional Ukrainian paper cut-outs) on our large windows facing Spadina Avenue for every passerby to enjoy.
About Taras Lachowsky
Taras Lachowsky considers his art as part of the Ethno-Modernist genre. Influenced and inspired by his Ukrainian roots, he continually explores the histories of Ukrainian culture, past, present and future. Born in Sudbury, Ontario in 1964, he is the youngest of 10 children. His parents emigrated from Ukraine, through Germany to France and finally to Canada in 1950.
As a child he attended St. Michael’s Ukrainian Catholic Church in Coniston, Ontario and is currently a member of The Holy Protection of the Mother of God Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church in Guelph, Ontario
After studying textile and surface design at Sheridan College in Oakville, Ontario, Lachowsky earned a B.A. in Fine Art Studio at the University of Guelph.
His recent exhibitions focus on the symbols, patterns and colours in the Ukrainian methods of Vytynanky, Vishytchy and Pysanky.
He seeks to inspire people with his artwork and to familiarize Ukrainian history and heritage to a broader audience.