At this year’s art exhibition, Diana Kulyk from Echoes of Ukraine Choir, a contemporary visual artist and current North Metropolitan TAFE student showcased hand-painted ostrich eggs. Exploring Johannes Itten’s colour theory through the traditional art of Ukrainian “Pysanka“, she paints intricate designs on natural ostrich eggs using acrylic and archival inks, merging historical techniques with modern artistic concepts.
Diana has kindly shared the story behind each one of the eggs.
Project Statement – “Sacred Shells”
The hand-painted ostrich eggs showcased in the “Sacred Shells” exhibition represent the deep spiritual roots of Ukrainian culture. In this difficult time for Ukraine, the project aims not only to preserve tradition but to share it widely, highlighting the power of art as a language of unity and hope. Each egg is more than a decorative object — it is a universal symbol of life, renewal, and inner strength. Every line, colour, and symbol tells a story that connects generations and inspires belief in the future.
1. Embrace
Embroidered male and female sleeves symbolically embrace the centre of the egg, protecting the new life forming between them. A symbol of love, unity, and continuity.
2. Pysanka
A symmetrical ornament inspired by the ancient Ukrainian tradition of family Easter egg painting — a visual code of generations embedded in symbols.
3. Cossack with a Kobza
A Cossack resting with his kobza (a traditional stringed instrument) embodies strength, courage, and the deep soul of the Ukrainian people — always ready to defend his homeland.
4. Ukrainian Woman
A pregnant woman holding plants, symbols of fertility, with flowers on her dress containing Trypillian motifs. On the back: words by Taras Shevchenko:
“And on the renewed earth, There shall be no enemy, no oppressor…”
5. Clay Figurines
An homage to archaic female clay figurines, representing ancestral strength, life cycles, and the eternal continuation of the feminine line.
6. Sunflower
A mature sunflower — not just a flower, but a symbol of the sun, strength, labour, and abundance. A talisman that nourishes and carries inner light.
7. Russian Warship – Go away…
This egg is dedicated to a historic moment of Ukrainian resistance. It reproduces the iconic image from the Ukrposhta stamp that became known worldwide.
8. Window-Painting
This egg is a window into two worlds. The front shows one perspective, while the reverse reveals another. It all depends on where and how you look.
