Alla Horska
1929–1970
Alla Horska was a prominent Ukrainian artist, dissident, and one of the central figures of the Sixtiers movement. She created unique and powerful works in painting, theater, graphics, mosaic, and was also known for her principled and fearless civic stance. Alla Horska was one of the leaders of the Creative Youth Club in Kyiv, researched and sought to publicize information about the Bykivnia mass grave, signed protest letters, corresponded with political prisoners, and provided financial support to their families.
Alla Horska lived under constant surveillance by Soviet security services; she was frequently summoned for interrogations, expelled twice from the Artists’ Union, deprived of orders, her works were denied to be shown to the public, and part of them were physically destroyed. This series of repressions culminated in the brutal murder of the artist herself. Attempts were made to erase public memory about her. Later, the case of her murder also was destroyed in the prosecutor’s office.
Despite all efforts, the system failed to diminish the power of Alla Horska’s creativity and actions. She became a moral authority for her generation and those that followed. Her influence continues to grow as Ukrainians and the world discover Alla Horska anew.
