William Kurelek and his Ukrainian identity

Recently, a group of Ukrainian military psychiatrists visited Bethlem Museum of the Mind to learn more about the Canadian artist William Kurelek and his most famous painting ‘The Maze’, which is on display in the museum’s permanent collection. 

The visit began with a talk from Colin (the Director of the Museum) who provided background on Kurelek’s childhood within one of Canada’s many Ukrainian immigrant communities, and the early life experiences that shaped his work. The talk then focused on ‘The Maze’’ in greater detail, explaining the significance of different sections within the painting and symbolism behind them. These included how Kurelek expressed his experience as a patient at Maudsley hospital, as well as his difficult childhood. The talk also highlighted areas of the painting where Kurelek incorporated Ukrainian symbolism, reflecting the connection he felt towards his Ukrainian heritage. 

The group were then shown some of Kurelek’s other works, including a painting titled ‘Cross Section of Vinnitsia’. This painting delivers a powerful message, which Kurelek used to expose Soviet atrocities against the Ukrainian population in the 1930s. While the top half of the painting shows a peaceful scene of a Soviet community fair, its lower half shows the bodies of Ukrainian civilians brutally murdered during the purges of the 1930s and buried in a mass grave. The entire painting is framed behind bars, as if the viewers themselves were looking onto the scene from out of a prison cell. Although ‘Cross Section of Vinnitsia’ is not part of the collections of Bethlem Museum of the Mind, it is another good example of Kurelek’s desire to draw attention to the plight of the Ukrainian people under Soviet occupation , and it is evidence of the connection he had with his heritage.

After the talk the group had the opportunity to explore the Museum further, and view some of Kurelek’s best known paintings in person.