Hi!
I was genuinely captivated by the painting you see below. During my visit to the National Union of Artists of Ukraine, I found myself in awe of it. I don't know how long I stood before it - it felt like ages. So, the cold dancing in the halls of the Union building was kind enough to make me move further.
They had an exhibition dedicated to the Day of the Artist, exhibiting the works of Union graduates and students.
In today's letter, I will share more paintings from my visit to the National Union of Artists of Ukraine. Unknown names will gracefully appear on the screen, becoming familiar, evoking emotions, and planting beauty in your eyes.
Natalia Proskurina (born in 1976, Sloviansk, Donetsk Oblast), Prayer, 2024, Oil on canvas.
As usual, I will start with what happened in Ukraine this week.
Concerns over the deepening military ties between russia and North Korea have escalated dramatically this week.
South Korea's National Intelligence Service said it believes North Korea will deploy four brigades totalling 12,000 soldiers to the war in Ukraine, including 1,500 special forces.
The statement came days after a Western diplomat told the Kyiv Independent media that Pyongyang had sent 10,000 soldiers to russia.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense, Kyrylo Budanov, confirmed that russia is preparing more than 11,000 troops from North Korea for the war in Ukraine. Now, they are undergoing training and will be ready for combat operations from November 1.
Kostyantyn Saposhko (perhaps he is a potential student, as I guess they are presented in such a way there - without the details about the painting)
russia doesn't stop its attacks on civilians. Nights are their 'favourite' time. Just take a look at our week.
On the night of October 15, russian forces attacked Mykolaiv with S-300/S-400 missiles from the temporarily occupied Crimea. As a result, 16 people were injured, and one person was killed.
On the night of October 16, russia attacked Ukraine with 136 drones. There was damage in the two regions, but there were no casualties.
On the night of October 17, Ukraine was attacked with an X-59 guided missile and 56 drones. Nine civilians were injured.
On the night of October 18, 135 drones attacked Ukraine. The Kyiv City Military Administration reported one of the most massive drone attacks on the civilian population and infrastructure of Ukraine. However, all the drones flying towards the capital were shot down.
On the night of October 19, russian forces launched ballistic missiles at Kryvyi Rih, injuring 17 people and damaging civilians infrastructure.
Ruslan Kutniak (born in 1967, Kyiv). Give us back our little Icaruses. Dedicated to the children of Ukraine affected by russian aggression, 2024. Oil on canvas
The authorities of the Kharkiv region announced the forced evacuation of all civilians from Kupiansk and nearby settlements due to the deteriorating security situation. In recent months, Kupiansk has been under heavy attacks as russia intensified assault attempts in the area.
Among the better news is that 95 soldiers were released from captivity, and the bodies of fallen defenders were also returned.
I will finish with the news now and enter our historical/cultural section. Today, I want to take you to Kyivan Rus' and tell you about its education.
I chose this topic after receiving a strange comment on X that Ukraine is only 33 years old, suggesting there was no Ukraine before our independence in 1991. That assertion is incorrect.
Are you ready to travel back 1000 years?
Ivan Pylypenko (born in 1957, Kyiv.), Wonderful Dnipro in calm weather, 2024. Oil on canvas
The year 839 marks the first known reference to the people of Rus' in written sources. Historians commonly refer to this group as Kyivan Rus, although contemporary sources simply called them Rus.
In 1240, the Mongols captured Kyiv.
Over the past 400 years, Eastern Europe and the lands of Ukraine have experienced numerous transformations. The statehood of Rus' emerged, bringing civilization, writing, and Christianity to the region. The original Old Rus' culture developed, leading to the rise of Kyiv and other Rus' cities. Additionally, the ancient Ukrainian population embraced the identity of Rus'.
It is important to emphasize that the name Rus' has no relation to russia. The historical name for russia is Moscovia. The term 'russia' emerged as a self-designation in 1721 when tsar Peter I declared the kingdom of moscow to be the russian empire. In doing so, he effectively appropriated the name Rus'', attempting to claim the historical heritage of Ukraine.
Meanwhile, the word 'Ukraine' was first mentioned in the Kyiv Chronicle in 1187.
So, now you know, and please tell others.
Pustovit D. (born in 2005, Kyiv), Sadness of the soul, 2024. Oil on canvas. In the National Union of Artists of Ukraine, only initials are always written. I couldn't find this artist on the internet.
What about the education in Kyivan Rus'?
Since the introduction of Christianity - following the official baptism of the people of Kyiv in 988, when Christianity became the state religion of Kyivan Rus' - both the state and the church have been responsible for education. During the reign of Volodymyr the Great, who was Grand Prince of Kyiv from 978 until his death in 1015, a public school was established in Kyiv where children from the prince's inner circle received their education.
In 1037, Yaroslav the Wise, the Grand Prince of Kyiv from 1019 to 1054, established a new type of school in the newly constructed St. Sophia Cathedral. This institution became the first higher education establishment in Rus'. The level of education provided here was on par with that of Byzantine higher schools. Students studied subjects such as theology, philosophy, rhetoric, grammar, history, Greek, geography, natural sciences, and the works of ancient authors. Many prominent cultural figures of the time graduated from this institution.
Yuriy Gurin (born in 1953, Kyiv), Knowledge is power, 2023. Oil on canvas
The first school for girls at St. Andrew's Monastery in Kyiv was established in 1086. It was founded by Anna, the daughter of Prince Vsevolod of Kyiv, who was Grand Prince from 1076 to 1077 and again from 1078 to 1093, and the granddaughter of Yaroslav the Wise. The curriculum included writing, reading, and needlework. This opportunity for women to receive an education significantly contributed to the spread of learning among them, particularly within the princely elite.
Monasteries and churches gradually became the primary centres of education in Rus'. They taught reading, writing, and arithmetic with priests and clerks as teachers.
The rapid construction of palaces and churches that began with the introduction of Christianity created a demand for highly skilled artists to decorate these buildings and for singers to perform during church services. As a result, alongside general education schools, specialized institutions were established in Rus' for singing, painting, carving, needlework and other artistic disciplines.
Shvets T. (born in 2001, Kyiv), A step to the artist, 2024. Oil on canvas
During the XI-XII centuries, Kyivan Rus' made significant strides in promoting literacy among its population, achieving educational levels comparable to those of leading Western European countries.
I hope you discovered something new about Ukraine during our short history trip. Of course, you can share the letter with others.
Hugs? Of course.
Sincerely,
Yaroslava
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