Roitburd Oleksandr

Oleksandr Roitburd (1961, Odesa – 2021, Kyiv) was a Ukrainian artist, a representative of postmodernism and the “New Ukrainian Wave.” One of the most influential figures in contemporary Ukrainian art, he was known for his works in painting, graphics, and installations.

In 1983, he graduated from the Art and Graphics Department of the Odesa Pedagogical Institute. In 1993, he co-founded the New Art Association (Odesa). He served as its art director starting in 1993 and as its president from 1999 to 2001. He also worked as the director of Marat Gelman Gallery in Kyiv. A member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine since 1989, Roitburd was an active participant in the Euromaidan movement.

Roitburd held the position of director of the Odesa Art Museum from 2018 to 2021, significantly updating its exhibitions and program despite political controversies surrounding his appointment.

His works are preserved in leading museums worldwide, including MoMA (New York), the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University (Durham, USA), Moderna galerija (Ljubljana, Slovenia), PinchukArtCentre (Kyiv), and the Odesa Art Museum.

The artist participated in over 100 exhibitions and projects, including Postanaestesia (1992, Munich), The Steppes of Europe (1993, Warsaw), Open Ends (2000, MoMA, New York), and the 49th Venice Biennale (2001, Venice).

Oleksandr Roitburd left a significant mark on contemporary Ukrainian art, blending postmodernist ideas with the traditions of the southern Ukrainian art school in his works.