PG Larson

PG Larson

PG Larson

Drawing inspiration from Cubism and the Ukrainian Avant-garde of the early 20th century, American artist Paul Larson has captivated audiences for almost a half century with his paintings. Among his many affiliations, Mr. Larson is a member of the Greenwich Art Society, the Loft Artist’s Association in Stamford, the Westport Artists Collective, and Art/Place Gallery in Fairfield. His artworks have been celebrated with numerous awards, and are in many private collections in both the U.S. and abroad.

"These paintings are the product of my exploration into alternate views of the world never seen before," said Mr. Larson. "Their creation involves a personal process of the rediscovery of what has been lost and forgotten.

In keeping with our goal of introducing the American public to Ukrainian art and culture, Zorya Fine Art is also delighted to exhibit works by artists such as Mr. Larson, who are inspired by Ukraine. The country's art and culture has played an important role in his life and work.

"I attribute my lifelong love of art to be originally inspired by my mother, an incredibly talented artist who abandoned her gift in favor of raising a family," says Mr. Larson, adding that other influences include "the founders of the Cubist movement, Picasso and Braque, as well as the fine Ukrainian artists who followed, including Alexander Archipenko, Kazimir Malevich and Sonia Delaunay."

One interesting footnote that demonstrates cultural continuity over the decades: In 1932, Stephanie Pushkar, a great aunt of the founder of Zorya Fine Art, organized Alexander Archipenko's exhibition at the World Art Fair in Chicago, which also included the display of a collection of Ukrainian folk art. Archipenko's sculptures were the main attraction that contributed to the pavilion's great success. He went on to live in New York City, until his death in 1964. 

Mrs. Pushkar's life and work made her a crucial figure in the Ukrainian art and women's movement, both in Ukraine and in the United States. While still living in Lviv, she co-founded the popular women's journal, Nova Khata, and was director of the Ukrainske Narodne Mystestvo cooperative. She was also president of the Ukrainian National Women's League of America in 1966-1976, and she was co-founder of the World Federation of Ukrainian Women's Organizations.