A Forest

Pavlo Bedzir was a renowned Ukrainian artist and philosopher, celebrated for his contributions to graphic art and his exploration of Eastern philosophical themes in his work.

Pavlo Bedzir was a celebrated Ukrainian artist and philosopher, known for his exploration of global avant-garde movements and deep philosophical themes. His work transcended traditional art, blending visual symbolism with spiritual and intellectual reflection, and emphasizing the internal structure and philosophical interpretations of natural forms.

Pavlo Bedzir was born in 1926 in the village of Kalyny, Tyachiv district, Zakarpattia region, where he lived until the age of 10. In 1936, their family relocated to Svoboda (today known as Badov, part of the village of Danylivka).

In 1944, he graduated from Mukachevo Urban School (in the city of Mukachevo) and enrolled in the Mukachevo Trade Academy. During this period, his interest in yoga, philosophy, and visual arts began to emerge. He studied drawing and painting in Vilmosh Berec's workshop.

In 1946, he entered the Uzhhorod Art and Professional School, where his instructors included Fedir Manailo and Ernest Kontratovych.

From 1947 to 1950, Pavlo Bedzir served in the army. After being demobilized, he returned to Uzhhorod.

On June 19, 1952, he married Yelyzaveta Kremnytska. In 1954, he began working in the workshops of the Art Fund, where his wife also worked. This place became the main hub for the couple's creative endeavors. They experimented, created, and set up a studio where they painted from life with friends. The artist Ferenc Seman also joined their circle.

In his creative work, Bedzir explored nearly all stages of global avant-garde movements, including Impressionism, Expressionism, Cézannism, and Cubism.

The tree always remained the foundation, the vertical axis of his artistic thinking. Pavlo often said: "When you look at a tree, it is the internal form of the forest, while the forest is the external form of the tree". Or: "When I discovered Op Art for myself, I looked at the tree not for its trunk or branches, but for the voids between the branches".

Even in his depictions of the human figure, the artist relied not on naturalistic characteristics but on internal structure and constructive logic.

Pavlo Bedzir passed away in 2002. He is buried in Uzhhorod beside his wife.

Pavlo Bedzir's renowned series, "From the Life of Trees", stands as a cornerstone of his legacy, establishing him as a prominent figure in the graphic arts of Zakarpattia and Ukraine. Across numerous works centered on the theme of trees, he delved into deep philosophical and symbolic interpretations, contemplating timeless aspects of human existence.

These motifs are noticeable in such artpieces as "Life of Trees 1", "Life of Trees 3", "Life of Trees 4", "Life of Trees 6" (1970-1980s).

Among Pavlo Bedzir's artworks also are "Composition 1" (1970s), "Mountain View" (1970s), "Studies 1" (1960s), "Studies 2" (1960s), "A Forrest" (1960s), "Op-Art. Pocket-Sized Format" Series (1960s) and others.

These Pavlo Bedzir's paintings for sale are available at auction on the UFDA website. 

Pavlo Bedzir's art initially focused on realistic painting but later shifted toward the realm of graphic symbolism. Influenced by Christianity, as well as Western and Eastern philosophies and various religious traditions, his worldview was deeply enriched by the study of renowned philosophical works.

Pavlo Bedzir's art style transcends traditional visual art, becoming a catalyst for deep intellectual and emotional reflection. It explores concepts of inner contemplation, self-expression, a journey of self-improvement, and the philosophical quest for understanding.