​

"«Kalamayka Belt»"

​

Series "On this side of the past". 

Cardboard, oil, texture paste, threads, 70 x 50 cm, 2024

​

800 Euros

​

The name of the belt comes from the word "kalamayka", a linen fabric. It was made in a factory and was red, green or blue. It could be either monochromatic or multi-coloured, or embroidered with coloured threads with a tambour stitch, and decorated with tassels. It was usually long, up to ten or twelve cubits. When tied with a belt, girls would let the ends of the belt out in front, while married women would let them out on the left side or behind. 

And here is a part of Marusya Kvitka-Osnoviyanenko's description of her clothes: ‘...a silk, sea-blue apron; a kalamayka belt, and when she tighten herself, you can put your arm around her...’ I don't know the name of this beautiful woman in the photo, but for me she is exactly the same Marusya...