Dmytro Stryjek: Drawn from Memory

Imaginative, idiosyncratic, and deeply personal, Dmytro Stryjek’s art defies convention. With bold colours, inventive compositions, and a visual language all his own, this beloved Saskatchewan artist captured the complexities of memory, migration, and belief through hundreds of vibrant works.

Drawn from Memory features rarely seen works from the Ukrainian Museum of Canada’s extensive Stryjek collection, offering an intimate glimpse into the artist’s singular world. Born in 1899 in Lanivtsi, Ukraine, Stryjek first discovered drawing during his time in the Ukrainian army. After immigrating to Canada, he worked for decades with the Canadian National Railway before devoting his retirement to painting. His work draws from Ukrainian faith and folklore, shaped by prairie life and personal experience.

Rooted in cultural memory and everyday observation, Stryjek’s work continues to resonate with humour, insight, and emotional depth. This exhibition highlights the enduring relevance of his vision and his heartfelt storytelling.