EXHIBITION: Zapovit
June 21 - Oct. 17 / 2026 | 620 Spadina Ave., Toronto
On Sunday, June 21, UMCO opened Testament • Zapovit, a retrospective of Ukrainian-Canadian artist Ihor Rodion Dmytruk. The exhibition presents a range of Dmytruk’s work across several decades, from early paintings to bold geometric abstractions, graphic drawings, and watercolours shaped by his lifelong connection to Ukraine. Testament • Zapovit was organized and curated by the Ukrainian Museum of Canada National Branch and premiered in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, in 2024. We are deeply grateful to UMC National for making this exhibition available to UMCO and for the spirit of collaboration that made its presentation in Toronto possible.
We were especially honoured to welcome many members of the Dmytruk family from Edmonton, Toronto, and Oakville for the opening! Their presence made the occasion deeply meaningful by sharing personal stories and recollections about Dmytruk, and enriching our opening with a deeper understanding of his life and his artistic legacy.
For the Toronto presentation, Guest Curator Dave Melnychuk brought a deeply personal perspective to the exhibition. A Ukrainian-Canadian artist, designer, and craftsperson, Melnychuk imagined an installation that does more than showcase artifacts alongside Dmytruk’s work; it draws thoughtful parallels between contemporary art and Ukrainian material culture.
Inspired by the feeling of visiting his Baba’s home, Melnychuk selected textiles, woodwork, ceramics, artwork and other objects from the Museum’s nearly 9,000 artifacts, as well as his own family portraits and keepsakes. Together, these pieces connect with important themes of ancestry and Ukrainian identity in Dmytruk’s work, and evoke nostalgic feelings of visiting grandparents or family friends who immigrated to Canada.
This exhibition gives space to both Dmytruk’s art and objects from the Museum’s collection, allowing visitors to appreciate each on their own terms while tracing subtle connections between his work and the colours, patterns, and forms of Ukrainian material culture.
We invite you to visit in person to experience Testament • Zapovit and explore these connections for yourself. On view until October 17, 2026. Learn more…
