Shifting Nationalities at the Met
The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City recently reclassified several painters who were formerly identified as Russian, as Ukrainian.
The reclassification was prompted by the Twitter account “Ukrainian Art History,” which has been highlighting the contributions of Ukrainian artists and challenging the longstanding narrative that these artists are Russian. In addition to sharing information about Ukrainian artists and their work, the account has been calling for greater recognition of Ukrainian culture and identity in the art world.
The artists — all active during the 1800s — Ivan Aivazovsky, Arkhyp Kuindzhi, and Ilya Repin — had been claimed by both Ukraine and Russia, their national identities shifting as a result of the movement of borders and the reclassification of land. After Russia annexed Crimea in 2014, both Russia and Ukraine claimed Aivazovsky, who was born in the disputed territory.
The reclassification of these painters reflects the complex and often contested nature of cultural identity and heritage. The way that artists are identified and classified can have significant political and cultural implications, as it can shape perceptions of national identity, history, and culture. In the case of Ukraine and Russia, the identification of artists as either Ukrainian or Russian has been a point of contention for many years, reflecting the broader political and cultural tensions between the two countries.
The reclassification of these painters also reflects the role that art can play in shaping foreign policy and diplomacy. By recognizing Ukrainian artists and their contributions to the art world, the Metropolitan Museum of Art is sending a message that the cultural heritage of Ukraine is distinct and worthy of recognition and respect and is rejecting Russia’s characterization of Ukraine as an inherent part of its territory.
