Viktor Zaretsky

Viktor Zaretsky (; 8 February 1925 – 23 August 1990) was a Ukrainian painter and artist.

Personal life and education Viktor Zaretsky was born on the 8th of February 1925 in Bilopillia, Sumy Oblast, Ukrainian SSR. As a child, he and his family moved frequently. Following the death of his wife and father, Zaretsky developed long-term depression.

Viktor Zaretsky died 23 August 1990 in Kyiv, Kyiv Oblast, Ukrainian SSR. He was buried in the Berkovtsi Cemetery.

Art Zaretsky produced a variety of paintings, designs, and murals. At the beginning of his career, Zaretsky often practiced the Soviet government favoured art style of Socialist realism. His early work often depicted peasants and labourers, who he felt more connected to rather than other popular subjects of the movement. As he continued creating art, his style began to become more avant-garde. Later in his career his main painting styles was Secession-style art. His art often contained references to, or elements of, Ukrainian folklore and figures.

His first solo art exhibition was hosted in 1989 at the Kyiv House of Scientists. The 1989 exhibition was his only solo art exhibition before his death in 1990.

In 1994, Zaretsky was posthumously awarded the Shevchenko National Prize for his artwork.