To Write – Morgan Jayne Tunow

×

Expand

Morgan Jayne Tunow, no date

(courtesy of the Gallery)

Legend has it that a monster, the embodiment of evil, lives beneath the Carpathian Mountains of Ukraine. Once a year, the monster sends its henchmen to earth to see how many pysanky were made. If we didn’t make enough, they would return to loosen the chains, unleashing evil upon the world. However, if we did make enough, the chains would be tightened, protecting the world and its inhabitants from harm.

Pysanka (singular) and pysanky (plural), derived from the Ukrainian verb pysaty meaning “to write,” are traditional wax-resist dyed eggs. Originally created by Slavic peoples during Pagan times to celebrate the sun and the rebirth of spring, pysanky were believed to hold magical powers, offering protection and good fortune to the recipient. With the rise of Christianity, they became part of Ukrainian Easter traditions, featuring increasingly intricate designs. Soviet religious suppression in the 20th century led to the decline of pysanka-making, the destruction of collections, and the loss of generational knowledge. Despite this, Ukrainian artists in Ukraine and the diaspora persevered. Since the 2022 Russian invasion, pysanky have come to symbolize peace and solidarity, and in December 2024, UNESCO recognized pysanky as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, emphasizing their cultural significance and enduring resilience.

To Write is a modern take on this ancient tradition. This constellation of over 500 pysanky celebrates life, community, kinship, and culture—the goodness of humanity and the need for darkness to see the light. Each egg reflects my personal gratitude and positive intent for the world and people around me. Through this work, I invite viewers to honour the wisdom of those who came before us, aspiring for a prosperous and peaceful future for all.