The Ukrainian Pioneer [William Kurelek]

The Ukrainian Pioneer, by William Kurelek, documents a major project by the artist rooted in his Ukrainian heritage. Kurelek, born in Alberta to Ukrainian parents, made two trips to Ukraine in 1970, including one extended stay. Commissioned by the Niagara Falls Art Gallery, he produced a series of six large plywood panels, each measuring approximately 5 by 4 feet, depicting scenes drawn from his grandparents’ homesteading life in western Canada. This volume reproduces the complete series and includes Kurelek’s own remarks, recorded when he personally installed the paintings in the gallery.