Introducing BEREHYNYA — a mural by John Kuna

The Shevchenko Museum, an acclaimed Ukrainian cultural hub in Toronto’s West End, announces the unveiling of the mural BEREHYNYA by renowned Toronto artist, John Kuna, on April 27, 2025. The official ceremony is open to the public and will begin at 2:00 pm inside the Shevchenko Museum, 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto.

In the Ukrainian culture, Berehynya denotes the revered status of a woman who is a positive archetype and a symbol of wisdom, devotion and perseverance.  A stalwart supporter of her loved ones, she tends the eternal fire in the family hearth.  But her image suggests a broader connotation carrying larger emotional weight. Berehynya is entrusted with the sacred task of protecting the soul and spirit of the nation and maintaining the people’s resolve to draw strength from their distant past while building a connection to the future.

The new John Kuna mural, portraying Berehynya as the guardian of Ukrainian lands is an exciting and valuable addition to Toronto’s open-air gallery of public art which he has been building over the years in the historic Islington Village. The artist has created a visually striking image, featuring the main character as a woman in traditional Ukrainian dress. Her head is adorned with a shining wreath of golden wheat which reads almost like a halo. She is concentrated on her task, embroidering a Ukrainian ritual cloth (rushnyk) with images of blooms and an ancient symbol of the tree of life.

The mural, bursting with vibrant colours and rich symbolic imagery, is designed to reference the artwork of Taras Shevchenko whose name the museum bears.  A colossal figure in nineteenth-century Ukrainian history, Taras Shevchenko, a magnificent poet, writer, artist and folklorist, was a public and political figure whose call for Ukrainian independence and self-determination is more relevant today than ever. Ukrainians are fighting for every inch of their land while struggling to defend the principles of democracy in a complex and unpredictable political situation. But all wars inevitably end, and the indomitable spirit of freedom-loving people carries on.

The mural’s message is to reflect the everlasting beauty and sophistication of Ukrainian cultural heritage.  It offers an informative glimpse into the treasure trove of Ukrainian customs and traditions and serves to beautify our city and inspire its residents for many years to come.

Shevchenko Museum
1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto ON
Ph: 416-534-8662
W: www.shevchenko.ca
E: shevchenkomuseum@bellnet.ca
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ShevchenkoMuseum/
Inst: https://www.instagram.com/shevchenko_museum_toronto/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@shevchenkomuseum2124