Zhei-Zharenko Lavrenti - Odessa artist

Zhei-Zharenko Lavrentiy: master of landscape and portraiture from Odesa

Lavrentiy Semenovich Zhei-Zharenko (1899–1977), also known by his pseudonym Zhei, is a significant figure in 20th-century Ukrainian art. This Odesa-based artist and educator left behind a rich legacy in easel painting, particularly excelling in the genres of landscape and portraiture. His sincere and poetic work reflects the best traditions of the South Russian school of painting.

Early life and education

Lavrentiy Zharenko was born on August 23, 1899, in Elisavetgrad (now Kropyvnytskyi, Ukraine). Despite an early interest in art, his path to professional education was not straightforward. It wasn't until 1934, at a relatively mature age, that he enrolled in the Odesa Art College. Here, he was mentored by prominent masters such as Daniil Krainev, Oleksiy Shovkunenko, and Leonid Muchnik. Zharenko's diploma work was an oil painting titled "Collective Farm May Day," completed under Muchnik's guidance.

Teaching career and war years

After graduating in 1938, Lavrentiy Zharenko dedicated himself to teaching at his alma mater, the Odesa Art College. He taught specialized disciplines, including drawing, painting, and plastic anatomy. However, this peaceful period was interrupted by war. After the war, he resumed teaching, continuing to educate young artists until 1949.

Artistic legacy and exhibitions

From 1949, Lavrentiy Zharenko fully focused on his creative work. His pieces, starting from 1935, were regularly exhibited at republican and all-Union exhibitions.

Key genres in Zharenko's oeuvre include:

• Landscapes: His watercolor landscapes of Odesa and its surroundings are particularly noteworthy. In these works, the artist masterfully conveyed the unique blend of steppe expanses and the sea. Zharenko's pieces are characterized by subdued colors and palettes that evoke deep emotions.
• Portraits: In addition to landscapes, Lavrentiy Semenovich created portraits, including depictions of ordinary workers and children, showcasing his talent for conveying human forms.

Solo exhibitions of Lavrentiy Zharenko's work:

• Odesa (1964, commemorating 30 years of creative activity, featuring 140 works)
• Mykolaiv (1965)
• Kherson (1969)
• Marseille, France (1973)

Recognition and remembrance

In 1946, Lavrentiy Zharenko became a member of the Union of Soviet Artists of Ukraine, affirming his significant contribution to the development of national art. Today, his works are part of the collections of leading art museums in Ukraine, including:

• Odesa Art Museum
• Mykolaiv Art Museum
• Luhansk Art Museum
• Kherson Art Museum
• Kropyvnytskyi Regional Art Museum (which holds five watercolor landscapes and one drawing bequeathed by the artist)

Among Zharenko's famous paintings are: "Boats on the Kosheva River" (1931), "Collective Farm May Day" (1939), "Artek. Beach" (1948), "September Noise" (1953), "Poppies" (1954), "Sea and Cutter" (1962), "Yalta. Lights" (1970), and many others.

Lavrentiy Semenovich Zharenko passed away in Odesa on April 23, 1977, leaving behind a rich artistic legacy that continues to inspire art enthusiasts.