When Threads of Heritage Find Their Way Into Art

The connection with Krolevets and its weavers began in a deeply touching and organic way. In 2022, during the first months of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, I was using my Instagram not only as an artist, but as a voice—translating news into English, helping spread the truth abroad, countering waves of Russian propaganda. It was a time when every word, every image felt like an act of resistance.

In the midst of this, I received a message from Viktoria Shpryndel, the director of the Museum of Krolevets Weaving. She reached out with warmth and hope, asking if I would consider recording a short video message for the Krolevets Towels literary and arts festival, which had shifted online due to the war. Viktoria had noticed how often I wove Ukrainian heritage into my work—especially the motifs of traditional woven towels—and saw in it a reflection of the very spirit the festival celebrates.

It was such an emotional moment for me. Even though I had never met Viktoria in person, her message felt like a thread connecting us—artist to artist, woman to woman, Ukrainian to Ukrainian. I knew immediately I wanted to contribute something meaningful, to help amplify this beautiful tradition that had resonated so deeply in my visual language.

That invitation led to a deeper dialogue with Krolevets itself—not just as a town or craft tradition, but as a living symbol of strength, identity, and continuity. And it became the beginning of something much larger in my artistic journey.

Nina Fedorenko
A soloist from the Krolevets Culture Center

The Legacy of Krolevets Towels

Krolevets woven towels (rushnyky) are a distinctive cultural treasure from northeastern Ukraine’s Polissia region. Known for their deep red geometric patterns, white backgrounds, and symbolic motifs, these handwoven textiles carry centuries of meaning—used in rituals, weddings, and as family heirlooms. The tradition dates back to at least the late 18th century and flourished in the 19th century through local fairs and dedicated weaving schools. Today, they remain a powerful emblem of Ukrainian identity and craftsmanship. You can learn more about this remarkable heritage in this article.

From Threads to Faces: The Calendar of Krolevets Women

After our first collaboration, Viktoria reached out with a beautiful idea that had come from the local community itself: “Your works already have admirers here,” she said. “What if we created a calendar featuring your illustrations?” The proposal felt deeply meaningful. I suggested that if she could send photos of Krolevets women—especially those connected to the living textile tradition—I would be honored to create their portraits.

And that’s how this project began: twelve portraits from Krolevets and the Konotop district, celebrating the women who are not only keepers of beauty, but of memory. Each represents a different generation and profession, yet they are united by their connection to the cultural heritage of our region. Some are recognized craftswomen—bearers of intangible cultural heritage—others work at the Krolevets Museum or actively participate in preserving and popularizing Ukrainian folk art.

Tetiana Syzon, Alyona Petrushenko, Iryna Puriga, Ludmyla Karas, Daryna Borovyk, Nina, Tetiana Sokur, Viktoria Shpryndel, Liudmyla Myntus, Natalia

Thanks to Viktoria’s coordination, we worked over six months—hours of calls, discussion, and attention to every detail—to bring these portraits to life. Together, we turned them into a calendar for 2023: a quiet tribute to the women of Krolevets and the powerful legacy of their craft. “The Krolevets Towel Unites the World” became more than a title—it became a statement of connection, resilience, and cultural pride.

Here Are the Faces Behind the Art:

Anna Ivashko
The first portrait in the series features Anna—a symbolic beginning to the visual tribute to the women of Krolevets.

Ludmyla Karas
Director of the Krolevets Local History Museum, Ludmyla is a key cultural voice in the community, preserving stories and shaping how history is remembered.

Daryna Borovyk
Founder of Tkaly and a professional master of Ukrainian towel weaving since 2013. Daryna built her own loom and creates contemporary woven masterpieces rooted in tradition. The towel pattern in her portrait is one of her own designs.

Alyona Petrushenko
Originally from Saltivka, Kharkiv, Alyona and her husband evacuated to Krolevets after their home was destroyed. Among the few things they brought were three Krolevets towels, later donated to the museum—a powerful gesture of cultural preservation amid war.

Tetiana Sokur
A craftswoman and cultural ambassador for Ukrainian borscht traditions, Tetiana is a record-holding chef and band leader who champions the role of the Krolevets towel in everyday life.

Liudmyla Myntus
A master of handpicked weaving and member of the National Union of Folk Art Masters of Ukraine. For over four decades, she’s passed down Krolevets techniques to new generations.

Liudmyla Myntus

Natalia
A future pediatrician, captured in her wedding look with a Krolevets towel—a portrait of youth, tradition, and hope.

Nina Fedorenko
A soloist from the Krolevets Culture Center whose mystic stage presence inspired one of the most atmospheric pieces in the series.

Viktoria Shpryndel
Director of the Krolevets Weaving Museum and the one who introduced me to the living world of Krolevets towels. Her portrait features a colorful towel—unusual and bright, just like her.

Iryna Puriga
A physicist-mathematician turned guardian of over 3,000 museum pieces. Since the museum’s founding, Iryna has meticulously cared for its entire collection and now teaches others through exhibitions and workshops.

Nina
A young woman from Krolevets with dreams of the stage—her portrait hints at her future as a movie and theatre star.

Tetiana Syzon
A powerful symbol of modern Ukrainian leadership. In March 2022, Tetiana became head of the Konotop District Military Administration. She embodies both tenderness and strength—the Berehynia spirit of her community.

Anna Ivashko and Nina Fedorenko

A Living Thread of Identity

Art has always been more than just expression for me—it’s a form of preservation. When it comes to something as deeply rooted as the Krolevets weaving tradition, illustration becomes a way to keep it alive in people’s hearts and homes. Especially now, as Ukraine is fighting for its identity on so many levels, I feel an even greater responsibility to protect and amplify what makes our culture unique.

Creating portraits of the women behind this craft was my way of saying: “We see you, we remember, and we carry this forward”. Through art, we can honor heritage not just as history, but as something living—something that still shapes who we are.

If this story moved you, you can explore art prints from the folk series here —including a portrait of Nina Fedorenko. Each purchase helps carry the thread of Ukrainian identity forward.