A row of five ridged ceramic vessel sculptures resembling folded cloth, arranged from small and closed to large and open

Permanent Collection

Modernism and Beyond One of the world's largest collections of Ukrainian-American abstract and minimalist art

Inquire About the Collection adrienne@uima-chicago.org

Collection History

The Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art (UIMA) is home to a distinctive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by Alexander Archipenko, the pioneering Ukrainian-born sculptor whose innovations helped shape twentieth-century modernism. The Institute also holds one of the most significant collections of Ukrainian-American abstract and minimalist art from the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s, reflecting the extraordinary contributions of Ukrainian artists to the development of modern art in the United States.

Distinguished by its breadth and diversity, UIMA's permanent collection brings together works by nationally and internationally recognized artists, many of whom are also represented in leading museums and cultural institutions. The collection reflects both the artistic achievements of the Ukrainian diaspora and UIMA's longstanding commitment to engaging with the broader currents of American and international contemporary art.

Please direct all inquiries regarding the permanent collection to Adrienne Kochman.

adrienne@uima-chicago.org

Since the Institute's founding in 1971, the permanent collection has served as an important educational and cultural resource. A distinctive aspect of its development was the practice of inviting exhibiting artists to contribute a work to the collection. Together with acquisitions and gifts from collectors and supporters, this tradition helped create a collection that not only preserves individual artistic achievements but also chronicles the Institute's exhibition history and evolving artistic vision.

Spanning a wide range of artistic movements and approaches, the collection is particularly rich in works from the second half of the twentieth century, including Abstraction, Minimalism, Conceptual Art, and early Computer Art. Its holdings encompass painting, sculpture, prints, photography, fiber art, ceramics, and other media, illustrating the remarkable diversity of artistic experimentation and expression.

Today, UIMA's permanent collection stands as a testament to more than five decades of artistic discovery, cultural exchange, and creative innovation. Rooted in Ukrainian artistic heritage yet international in scope, it offers visitors an opportunity to explore the connections between artists, cultures, and movements that have shaped modern and contemporary art.

Many of the artists represented have world-class reputations.

Selected Works