Unknown female faces from the past.
I remember seeing them since I was a child laying in bed.
They would either wake me up or appear faster and faster while I was trying to fall asleep.
Sort of like a nightmare only I was more intrigued than scared.
I remember even wanting to see them sometimes when they weren’t there.
I would wonder how to get them to visit me again
Until one day they just never came back.
Only after becoming a mother
And moving to Ukraine
Did I begin to paint them in the garage. Faces emerging from my subconscious.
Realizing the connection years later.
But who are they?
People would ask me. Who are you painting?
I didn’t know.
Maybe they were women my mother knew when she was escaping Stalin’s regime at 11 years old?
Maybe my grandmother met them in the Gulag, imprisoned yet secretly embroidering icons out of fishbones?
I only knew that they had to be painted, sewn, collaged, sketched and cut out of cardboard.
Over and over again.
Then russia’s war on Ukraine began in 2014. again.
The power of the female emerged for me. again.
But this time in the shape of a Motanka. The ancient talisman.
We need to unite.
Again we need protection
And healing
And strength from our past.
A vessel.
Past and present
That is all.
I am.
Works
ON CANVAS
ON PAPER
SCULPTURES
STRAITJACKETS
“Rondiak’s creativity cuts the cloth of a new absolute beauty with a redemptive quality that clearly understands the important healing role of art and the psyche for future generations.”
ABOUT
BIO
Ola Rondiak’s paintings stem from her family’s experiences living in Ukraine during the historical events of WWII, Stalin’s Iron Curtain, the Orange Revolution in 2004 and the Revolution of Dignity in 2014. These events shaped Ola Rondiak’s world view. Emotional experiences surface in her artworks as her own history intertwines with Ukrainian history and tradition, preparing the viewer with a rare "contemporary art with a historical conscience." As stated by Kathrine Page (Delaware Contemporary Museum), Rondiak “harvests a bold new, deeply personal prototype emblematic of feminine tenacity stitched in truth through the thread of her own story. Rondiak’s creativity cuts the cloth of a new absolute beauty with a redemptive quality that clearly understands the important healing role of art and the psyche for future generations.” The female image looms large, and for Ola Rondiak, the female portrait underpins the terrain for truth and dignity on her canvases and installations. "Her large ultra-flat paintings derived from Byzantine medieval mural painting offer a local shared symbology imbued with historical reference, made contemporary by the use of Post-Modernist techniques." (Juan Puntes, Whitebox, NYC)
Her contemporary "Motanka" sculptures, inspired by ancient Ukrainian rag dolls, serve as a talisman for good health, fortune, and healing. Rondiak's Neo-Pop sculptures, made from her children's clothing covered with plaster of paris and old signs or homework papers, are a testament to better times, a notion of passing time and morphing histories.
Rondiak earned her BS degree at Hunter College and later her M.Ed when she worked as a psychotherapist. Her work has been featured in solo exhibitions internationally, most recently with Misto Camp at Burning Man in Black Rock City (2024), The Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations in NYC (2023-present), as well as Tokyo, Kyoto, and Hiroshima, Japan (2024).
Prior solo exhibits include the Maidan Museum and RA Gallery in Kyiv, Ukraine, The Shevchenko National Museum and The National Museum of Decorative Art in Kaniv, Ukraine, the Honchar Museum in Kyiv, US Embassy in Kyiv and Tri--Mission Art Gallery in the American Embassy in Rome, Italy, Dzyga Gallery in Lviv, Ukraine, The Ukrainian Institute of America in NYC, the Delaware Contemporary Museum in Wilmington, DE, as well as The Ukrainian National Museums in Cleveland and Chicago. Multiple group exhibitions include The International Sculpture Biennale at The National Conservation Area of St. Sofia in Kyiv (2024), Art Miami, Ethan Cohen Gallery (2024), Volta Art Fair in Basel, Switzerland and NYC (2024), Art Ukraine Gallery, Kyiv (2023-present), Institute for Immigration Studies at Barry University in Miami (2023-24), Nepenthe Gallery, VA (2023-present), Context Art Miami (2018 - 2023), Aqua Art Miami (2023), Affordable Art Fair Singapore and Paris (2023), Palm Beach Art & Contemporary (2023), Los Angeles Art Show (2023), Art Market Hamptons (2022), and Hudson River Museum (2020).
In 2020 her simultaneous US-Ukraine exhibit "Metempsychosis" incorporated a bi-continental panel discussion in The Revolution of Dignity Museum (Kyiv) and WhiteBox-Harlem (NYC) transmitted in real time via web stream hosted by The Ukrainian Congress Committee of America.
Rondiak’s work is part of a permanent collection of The Revolution of Dignity Museum in Kyiv, Ukraine, The Ukrainian Embassy in Bern Switzerland, Shevchenko Museum & National Museum of Decorative Arts in Kaniv, Ukraine, Ukrainian Embassy in Paris, Hudson River Museum in New York, as well as several Ambassadors and private collectors. Rondiak’s landmark painted mural in the historic district of Kyiv, Ukraine, is a prominent part of Kyiv’s Street Art explosion and her interactive “Guardian” Motanka sculpture is exhibited with The Maidan Museum in the center of Kyiv.
“My grandmother's story greatly influences my work...”
In 1943-1944, during the second Russian invasion of Ukraine in WWII, Ukrainian intellectuals and nationalists, Ola Rondiak’s grandfather among them, were forced to flee from their homeland to Western Europe or face certain death at the hands of Stalin’s secret service (NKVD). A sympathetic Russian soldier warned Ola’s grandfather of his imminent arrest and he set out on foot, with his daughter Maria, Ola’s mother (then eleven-years-old) for western Europe. His wife Paraskevia Michniak, Ola Rondiak’s maternal grandmother, stayed behind with their other daughter who was ill and immobile. The plan was for the family to reunite later. The reunion never happened. The daughter, Ola’s aunt and namesake, never recovered and passed away in Kolomiya, Ukraine in 1944. On March 28th, 1947, Paraskevia was arrested by the NKVD, charged under Statute 20.54.1.A “Assisting the Ukrainian Partisan Army (UPA)” and sentenced by a military tribunal to 25 years of hard labor at the Women’s Strict Regime Prison in Mordovia, Russia. There was no trial, no court, and no judge.
While in prison, at great personal risk, Paraskevia began embroidering religious icons at night, by the light of the northern latitudes. She used cloth and threads from her clothes and fish bones for needles. In 1953 Stalin died, and in 1956 Nikita Khrushchev granted amnesty to political prisoners who were victims of Stalin’s repressions. Paraskevia received her “Certificate of Rehabilitation” on July 2nd, 1956 and smuggled the embroidered icons (which were strictly forbidden by Soviet authorities) out of the prison by sewing them into her clothes. Unable to join her family in America due to the Iron Curtain, she returned to Kolomiya, Ukraine after which a written (albeit censored) trans-Atlantic correspondence began with Ola’s grandfather and mother. In the late sixties, an American tourist successfully smuggled the embroideries to her family in the west. Paraskevia passed away in 1975. She was well-known for her sewing, drawing, embroidering, and traditional cooking skills. This is only one story of millions of displaced, imprisoned, and repressed Ukrainians in WWII.
Since independence in 1991, Ukrainians have struggled to fight the forces of corruption and Russian influence. Ola Rondiak witnessed the Orange Revolution (2004) and the Revolution of Dignity (2014) first hand. Her collage “Maty Revolution”, a symbolic completion of her grandmother’s partially completed prison embroidery, captures the struggle of Ukrainians to move towards European values of openness and democracy in the face of a tyrannical regime.
“Leaving Home” (2022), watercolor and pencil on paper, 8.5 x 11 in.
Left: One of Paraskevia’s unfinished embroideries from the gulag.
Right: “Maty Revolution” (2013), collage on canvas, 27.55 x 35.43 in.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Ola Rondiak
Born 1966, Cleveland, Ohio
Education
1994
M.Ed. Community Counseling, Cleveland State University, Ohio
1989
B.A. Psychology & Education, Hunter College, New York
1986 & 1988
Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute. Harvard University. Cambridge, Massachusetts
Honors
2024
Selected to participate in Art In Embassies (AIE) Program by the U.S. Department of State
2022
Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art recognizes artist Ola Rondiak for significant contributions to cultural diplomacy and promoting Ukraine to the world through her art.
2022
Speaker at Night of Ideas at The Brooklyn Public Library organized by Villa Albertine of New York City
Select Solo Exhibitions
2025
Violence Against Women, Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations, New York City, U.S.
Motanka Army, D.HUB Gallery, Kyiv, Ukraine
Sun, Sand, Fire Motankas, Misto Camp, Burning Man, Black Rock City, Nevada, U.S.
2024
Motankas, Art Miami, Ethan Cohen Gallery, Miami, FL, U.S.
Sun, Sand, Fire Motankas, Misto Camp, Burning Man, Black Rock City, Nevada, U.S.
Unseen Hands, Gallery of Protest Art National Museum of The Revolution of Dignity, Kyiv, Ukraine
Voice of Prayer, Ninna-Ji Temple, Kyoto, Japan
Voice of Prayer, Kayadera Temple, Tokyo, Japan
Voice of Prayer, Daisho-in Temple, Hiroshima, Japan
2023
It is Within, John William Gallery, Online Exhibition
Cultural Front Installation, Volta Art Show, New York City, U.S.
Motanka Army, Art Ukraine Galley, Kyiv, Ukraine
Overcoming, Hercules Atrium, Wilmington, DE, U.S.
Motanka Healing Room, The Ukrainian Institute, New York City, U.S.
2022
Through the Eyes of its Women, Ukraine House, Washington, DC, U.S.
Mind Over Matter, Redux, John William Gallery, Wilmington, DE, U.S.
Ola Rondiak: Women’s History, a Hundred Years in Ukraine, The Gallery o.d.o., New York City, U.S.
2021
Facing, Vozianov Studio, Kyiv, Ukraine
Committed, John William Gallery, Wilmington, DE, U.S.
2020
Mind Over Matter, MetroQuadro Gallery, Miami, FL, U.S.
Metempsychosis, Revolution of Dignity Museum / Museum of Kyiv History, Kyiv, Ukraine
2019
Metempsychosis, WhiteBox Harlem, New York City, U.S.
One Nation Independent, Ukrainian Cultural Center, Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Of Evocation and Resemblance, Gallery 83, Kyiv, Ukraine
All the Same?, Taras Shevchenko Museum, Kaniv Ukraine
All the Same?, Museum of National Decorative Arts, Kaniv, Ukraine
All the Same?, Gallery RA, Kyiv, Ukraine
Days of Ukrainian Culture in Switzerland, Bern, Switzerland
2018
Rebel Ukraine, Pall Mall, London, UK
Identity Interrupted, Honchar Museum, Kyiv, Ukraine
Identity Interrupted, Dzyga Gallery, Lviv, Ukraine
Identity Interrupted, Tri-Mission Art Gallery, US Embassy, Rome, Italy
Identity Interrupted, Ukrainian Institute of America, New York City, U.S.
Identity Interrupted, Tauvers Gallery International, Kyiv, Ukraine
2017
Behind the Lines, Zorya Fine Arts Gallery , Greenwich, CT, U.S.
More than Ukraine, Kyiv Fortress Gallery, Kyiv, Ukraine
Behind the Lines, The Delaware Contemporary, Wilmington, DE, U.S.
Motanka, Mystetskyi Arsenal, Kyiv, Ukraine
Vinok, Ambassador's Residence, Berlin, Germany
2016
Vinok, Ukrainian National Museum, Chicago, IL, U.S.
Berehynia, Stage Background, Odesa Opera House, Odesa, Ukraine
Vinok, Consulate of Ukraine, Munich, Germany
Vinok, Nymphenburg Castle, Munich, Germany
Art Vaccination, Cultural Diplomacy, Vozianov Studio, Kyiv, Ukraine
Mural - Art United Us Kyiv Project, Mural on Wall of Borisohlibska 10a, Kyiv, Ukraine
Vinok, America House, Kyiv, Ukraine
2015
Vinok, Ukrainian Museum & Archives, Cleveland, OH, U.S.
Vinok, Ukrainian Educational & Cultural Center, Philadelphia, PA, U.S.
2014
Revolution of Dignity, US Embassy, Kyiv, Ukraine
Images of Maidan, Fulbright Gallery, Kyiv, Ukraine
Revolution Women, Porcelain, Kyiv, Ukraine
2013
50 Women, Gordon Residence, Kyiv, Ukraine
2007
Dolls, Kyiv International School, Kyiv, Ukraine
2006
Saving My Marriage, The Castle, Fertorakos, Hungary
Passenger, RA Gallery, Kyiv, Ukraine
2005
Conversation With a Dream, RA Gallery, Kyiv, Ukraine
Bride, The Castle, Fertorakos, Hungary
TAK! Orange Revolution, Pavlo Tychyna Museum, Kyiv, Ukraine
Select Group Exhibitions
2025
UKRAINKY, Ukrainian Diaspora Museum, Kyiv, Ukraine
Generations of War, Plaça del Virrei Amat, Barcelona, Spain
Generations of War, KIC Budo Tomovic Cultural Center, Podgorica, Montenegro
Generations of War, Voivodeship Public Library, Krakow, Poland
Outerspace, Outerspace Art Gallery, Melbourne, FL, U.S.
The Age of Aquarius Art Show, Butler Art Center and Gallery, PA, U.S.
World of Women, Odesa State Economic University, Odesa, Ukraine
2024
Art Wins The War, Sheraton Milano San Siro, Milan, Italy
Volta Art Fair, Ukrainian Pavilion, New York City, U.S.
Life Line, International Biennale, Open Air Sculpture, National Conservation Area St. Sophia of Kyiv, Ukraine
Volta Art Fair Basel, Ethan Cohen Gallery, Basel, Switzerland
Generations of War, Museum Cavaleridze, Kyiv, Ukraine
Shalene, Art Gallery Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
Memorias Razonadas, Institute for Immigration Studies, Barry University, Miami, FL, U.S.
Generations of War, Maloui UA International Art Festival, Kyiv, Ukraine
2023
Context Art Miami, John William Gallery, Miami, FL, U.S.
Aqua Art Miami, Alessandro Berni Gallery, Miami, FL, U.S.
Allegory of Strength, Modern Art Research Institute of Ukrainian Academy of Arts, Kyiv, Ukraine
Memorias Razonadas, Institute for Immigration Studies, Barry University, Miami, FL, U.S.
Affordable Art Fair Singapore, Alessandro Berni Gallery, Singapore
Magical Worlds, G-Gallery, New York City, U.S.
Affordable Art Fair, Galeria Gaudi, Paris, France
Clio Art Fair, New York City, U.S.
Bitter Sweet, Tenri Cultural Institute, New York City, U.S.
Stepping into a World, Gallery Max, Soho, New York City, U.S.
Pop-Up Fine Art Gallery, Nepenthe Gallery, Old Town Alexandria, VA, U.S.
Ukrainian Mythology, Folklore and Legend, Ukrainian American Archives and Museum, Detroit, MI, U.S.
Art Against Violence, VitaUKR Civil Society Organization, Milan, Italy
Volta Art Show, Alessandro Berni Gallery, New York City, U.S.
Shalene, Art Ukraine Gallery, Kyiv, Ukraine
Los Angeles Art Show, John William Gallery, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.
Sojourner, Sojourner Gallery, New York City, U.S.
Art Wins the War, Lviv Polytechnic National University, Lviv, Ukraine
Art Palm Beach and Contemporary, John William Gallery, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.
Material Improvisations, John William Gallery, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.
Ode to A Butterfly, Ukrainian Institute, New York City, U.S.
Palm Beach Art + Contemporary, Palm Beach, FL, U.S.
2022
Context Art Miami, John William Gallery, Miami, FL, U.S.
Hearts, Christine Frechard Gallery, Pittsburgh, PA, U.S.
Art Market Hamptons, John William Gallery, Alessandro Berni Gallery, Hamptons, NY, U.S.
Colors of Change, Online Exhibit, Art Dealer Street
Festival of International Contemporary Art, Gaudi Gallery Marbella, Spain
”Mriya” Art Mission Dream NFT, Online Exhibit
Art for Ukraine, Avant Gallery, Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary, West Palm Beach, FL, U.S.
Palm Beach Modern and Contemporary, John William Gallery, West Palm Beach, FL, U.S.
All for Ukraine, All for Victory, All Together We Will Win, Tenri Gallery, New York City, U.S.
Sending Love: Ukraine Crisis Relief Benefit Exhibition, Keystone Art Space, Los Angeles, CA, U.S.
Dante, Modern Art Research Institute of the National Academy of Arts of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
2021
Context Art Miami, John William Gallery, Miami, FL, U.S.
Dante, Ukrainian Art in Italy, Ravenna Art Gallery, Ravenna, Italy By virtue or despite of…, Tenri Gallery, New York City, U.S.
Art Against Violence, Modern Art Research Institute, Kyiv, Ukraine
Vessel Invitational: Revisioning the Receptacle, The Delaware Contemporary, DE, U.S.
Out & About, Ukrainian Contemporary Women's Art Fest, Modern Art Research Institute, Kyiv, Ukraine
Femininity, Spaces Maidan Plaza, Kyiv, Ukraine
2020
Women To The Fore, Hudson River Museum, Yonkers, NY, U.S.
Who, If Not You?, Ornament Art Space, Kyiv, Ukraine
Ukrainian Art Week, Bruges, Belgium
2019
Context Art Miami, John William Gallery, Miami, FL, U.S.
Genesis, Dancing House Gallery, Prague, Czech Republic
With Ukraine in Our Hearts: Roots, Paths, Future, Ukrainian Cultural Center, Paris, France
Dialogues of Imagination, Tenri Gallery, New York City, U.S.
Wearable Art Soiree, High Museum, Atlanta, GA, U.S.
Collage Now, Denise Bibro Fine Art, New York City, U.S.
2018
Context Art Miami, Tauvers Gallery, Miami, FL, U.S.
CLIO, Art Fair, New York City, U.S.
RAW, Atlanta, GA, U.S.
Conception Art Show, New York City, U.S. (Award for Excellence)
Vyshyvanka Day, Mystetskiy Arsenal, Kyiv, Ukraine
Rituals & Identity, Ann Street Gallery, Newburgh, NY, U.S.
2017
RAW, Brooklyn Night Bazaar, Brooklyn, New York City, U.S.
More than Ukraine, Fortress Gallery, Kyiv, Ukraine
2015
IWCK, Hilton Hotel, Kyiv, Ukraine
KIS, Radisson Hotel, Kyiv, Ukraine
A Portrait, Gallery Different, Kyiv, Ukraine
2014
IWCK, Intercontinental Hotel, Kyiv, Ukraine
2007
Marisol & Friends, Pavlo Tychyna Museum, Kyiv, Ukraine
2006
Reko & Friends, Pavlo Tychyna Museum, Kyiv, Ukraine
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