FILESH VASYL

Member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine (1993).

He was born in Bronka village, Irshava district of Transcarpathian region. He graduated from the department of art metal in the Uzhhorod School of Applied Arts (1975). Director and stage designer of the children's Ukrainian music and drama theatre "Prolisok".

Vasyl Filesh has been found of painting since his childhood. When he decided to enter art school, his father objected and even said: "You chose such a profession that you’ll be recognized when you die." Then the boy was supported by his grandfather, and later it became clear that he was really destined to become an artist. The artist recalls the moment of his diploma paper presentation when Fedir Manailo said: "You will hear about him. Don’t you see how he has mastered figure and colour? I’ll be watching him."

The teachers of Vasyl were Vílmos József Berecz, Sandor Petki. The latter, in particular, instilled him the love for watercolour on wet. The author also applies other techniques, such as oil, tempera, pastel. He created compositions of monumental art, in particular, stained-glass windows and mosaics.

Vasyl Filesh works in different genres: depicts landscapes of his native Irshava region, creates still lifes, thematic scenes, works of religious content. The author paints portraits rarely, as they do not show the visual reflection of a person, but his inner world.

The style of the artist is quite recognizable. Volodymyr Mykyta, People's artist of Ukraine, says about the creativity of Vasyl Filesh: "He is in constant search, no repetitions. Every work has its own meaning. The Transcarpathian spirit is laid down in each of his work. Now, when there are hundreds of directions, he adheres to the true Transcarpathian spirit, but at the same time he is also a contemporary artist."

The colouring of the artist’ s works distinguishes him from others: he uses contrast, often combines warm and cold colours.

Participant of regional, all-Ukrainian, republican exhibitions. There are about 1000 works of the artist, the whole collections have been sold around the world. Works by Vasyl Filesh are kept in the funds of the Directorate of Art Exhibitions of Ukraine, Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, private collections of Belgium, the USA, Germany, Hungary, etc.