Maria Prymachenko’s name echoes across generations, blending courage with boundless talent. Her work is a wellspring of inspiration for those seeking depth in simplicity, charisma in the mundane, and creativity in the extraordinary.
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Maria Prymachenko is the icon of Ukrainian art, a peasant woman from the Kievan village of Bolotnia, whose artistic brilliance stemmed from a harmonious fusion of natural talent, an insatiable quest for beauty, and a keen sensitivity to reality. Her intricate tapestries of imagination draw inspiration from not only her own mind but also the rich reservoir of Ukrainian folk poetry and the cultural tapestry it weaves. Born into humble circumstances in 1909 and passing away in 1997, Prymachenko, a self-taught artist, emerged as a luminary of her time. Her dazzlingly vibrant and wildly imaginative portrayals of animals—lions, birds, horses, and other creatures—adorned with riotously hued, nearly psychedelic patterns, earned her fame during her lifetime. Described as “naive art,” a term often associated with self-trained creators like the renowned French artist Henri Rousseau, Prymachenko is undoubtedly a master of this style. Yet, beneath this apparent simplicity, her works are deeply rooted in a profound understanding of her cultural heritage and tradition.
In 1937, at the illustrious Paris World Fair, the art world was humbled by the genius of a Ukrainian visionary. “I kneel before the artistic marvel of this brilliant Ukrainian,” proclaimed Pablo Picasso, gazing upon Maria Prymachenko’s enchanting creations. Marc Chagall, too, stood in awe, likening his own fantastical creatures to the “cousins of the strange beasts of Maria Prymachenko.”
This collection is a homage to Maria as her touch transformed everything into art—paintings, clothing, and even her hair braiding.
Who was Maria, and how did she live? What did she experience and how did she love?” – these are the questions that art director Svitlana Snizhko and chief visual director of TTSWTRS Nina Korobeynikova, together with the Primachenko Family Foundation, were looking for answers to first. Together they experienced Maria’s story, as the main task was to create a collection that would fully convey the true essence and character of the artist and introduce the unknown side of Maria. The family gave us access to the artist’s archival materials, clothes and jewellery to feel and touch the real her. This collection is a conversation with her through the prism of the present. The TTSWTRS team fantasized about what Maria would wear if she were living now, and this capsule collection is how the brand felt about her now.
Maria Prymachenko’s spirit inspired TTSWTRS. She was an incredible woman who crafted a unique world of mythical creatures — vivid and remarkable as if these creatures truly existed in the forests of her homeland.
“For me, Maria Prymachenko is one of the most intriguing modern artists. Her imaginative realm of mythical creatures is so powerful that it transcends the boundary between reality and imagination. She was a free, strong, and unconventional individual who even in her time followed her own rules. Her charisma is magnetic. This capsule collection unveils Maria’s story, which has become an integral part of our lives, much like she herself reflected her era. Her art remains relevant as she lives on in her unique universe,” shares Anna Osmekhina.
This capsule collection is a bridge between the past and future, a fusion of eras where ancient meets modern. Maria’s freedom of spirit, experiences, and emotions were wellsprings of inspiration. Her essence is transposed into a contemporary aesthetic. Surrealism melds with boundless imagery, echoing in rhythmic patterns. Canvases extend beyond borders, inviting us to a new realm of eternal motion.
Maria Prymachenko’s persona is shrouded in mythology—her works are like visualized legends, her life story woven through tales. This collection’s every piece is a fragment of her story, transformed into clothing.
The collection is divided into series, each named after one of Maria Prymachenko’s paintings. Each series delves into different aspects of her life and creativity.
The “Black Beast” series portrays Maria’s character—strong, untamed, and resilient. It embodies her inner drive for self-expression and independence.
“Blossoms in a Pot” offers a glimpse into Maria’s childhood, revealing the innocence and joy that nurtured her artistic journey.
“The Roaming Creature” series follows Maria’s life journey—a constant pursuit of progress, reflecting her dedication to her calling.
The “Marshland” series deepens our understanding of Maria through the image of the Lion—a symbol of strength and dignity. She associated herself with this creature, reflecting her unwavering determination that not only impressed but also inspired her.
TTSWTRS invites you to engage in this dialogue with Maria, where art, time, and fashion converge. This capsule collection leads you to Maria Prymachenko’s heart, ensuring her legacy remains within art history and the hearts of all touched by her.
TTSWTRS (which stands for TATTOOSWEATERS) is a Ukrainian-based brand created in 2013 as a creative project of designer Anna Osmekhina, a former costume designer and stylist. Brand’s DNA is the abundance of beige imitating naked skin, basic colors, and tattoos. Anna Osmekhina works with emerging and established global tattoo artists to create designs on apparel. Grimes, Nina Kravitz, Kourtney Kardashian, Sita Abellan, Nicky Minaj, Lisa Owen, Tommy Cash, and many others wear TTSWTRS. Such magazines as Forbes, Dazed, Metal Magazine, Hypebae, Vogue and many others wrote about the brand.
