“Ukrainian Spring Round Dance ‘Haivka’” – Original Painting by Marina Stognieva

The Story Behind the Painting

“Ukrainian Spring Round Dance ‘Haivka’” is an original work by Ukrainian artist Marina Stognieva, created in 2026. The painting is made in oil on canvas and measures 30 × 40 cm.

At the centre of the composition is a spring round dance performed in traditional Ukrainian clothing. People hold hands and form a circle, while the scene unfolds against the background of a wooden church and green Carpathian slopes. The artist captures a moment in which folk ritual, nature, and human community merge into one living image.

General view of “Ukrainian Spring Round Dance ‘Haivka’”.

The composition is built around circular movement. The figures in the foreground seem to invite the viewer into the dance, while those behind them continue the rhythm and create a sense of shared action. Embroidered shirts, flower wreaths, ribbons, and traditional clothing become vivid colour accents against the fresh spring greenery.

The wooden church in the background adds a sense of time, memory, and cultural roots to the scene. It is not separated from the celebration, but naturally belongs to the space of the round dance, emphasising the connection between folk tradition, place, landscape, and community life.

The creative process of “Ukrainian Spring Round Dance ‘Haivka’”.

While creating the work, Marina Stognieva gradually developed the complex multi-figure composition — from the overall rhythm of the landscape and architecture to individual figures, gestures, and details of clothing. The free painterly brushwork helps preserve the feeling of movement rather than turning the scene into a static ethnographic illustration.

Light embroidered shirts, red ornaments, wreaths, and ribbons contrast with the dense green surroundings. This keeps the figures at the emotional centre of the painting, while the spring landscape strengthens the feeling of celebration, renewal, and unity.

Interior visualisation of “Ukrainian Spring Round Dance ‘Haivka’” framed on a wall.

“Ukrainian Spring Round Dance ‘Haivka’” is part of Marina Stognieva’s large-scale author project “Picturesque Guide to Ukraine” and was created for the section dedicated to Zakarpattia. Through this project, the artist explores the regions of Ukraine through painting, cultural imagery, traditions, nature, and human stories.

In this work, the haivka appears not simply as an ancient spring custom, but as an image of unity — a circle of people that preserves the memory of generations while continuing to move. Through the round dance, the artist speaks about a living tradition that survives as long as people gather together, sing, remember, and pass it on.

→ Explore Zakarpattia in the “Picturesque Guide to Ukraine”

→ Discover the project

→ Learn more about the artist

Artwork Details

Original Artwork & Collectible Fine Art Prints

The painting “Ukrainian Spring Round Dance ‘Haivka’” is an original artwork by Marina Stognieva, created by hand in oil on canvas. It is a unique one-of-a-kind work.

Collectible Fine Art Prints personally signed by Marina Stognieva may also be available for selected works. Available formats, materials, prices, and other details can be discussed before ordering.

Payment & Worldwide Shipping

Payment can be made via PayPal, bank transfer, or another agreed method.

Worldwide shipping is available. Shipping costs and estimated delivery times are calculated individually depending on the destination and order details.

The painting on canvas is carefully packaged to protect the painted surface and ensure safe transportation. All purchase, payment, packaging, and international shipping details can be discussed directly with the artist before ordering.

“For me, haivka is not simply an old spring ritual. In a circle of people holding hands, I see a very simple and powerful image of unity. Spring returns every year, and with it songs, movement, memory, and everything one generation passes to the next.”

— Marina Stognieva