Mykola
Lebid

Ukraine • 1936−2007
Artist in social media
Mykola Lebid (Ukrainian: Микола Якович Лебідь, Russian: Николай Яковлевич Лебедь, 5 May 1936 – 29 March 2007) was a Ukrainian painter, graphic artist, designer, Honored Artist of Ukraine, and professor, known for watercolor paintings, graphics, design, medal art. Winner of Nikolai Ostrovsky Premium in 1986.

Mykola Lebid was born on 5 May 1936 in small village of Kustine, Sumy region, Ukrainian SSR (now Ukraine). Father – Yakiv Lebid (1896–1947) was a railroad worker, fought in the Red Army during World War II, was wounded and died shortly after the war ended. Mother – Eudokia Lebid (Radchenko) (1898-19??). The family had six children. Two older brothers died during the Holodomor of the 1930s. The elder brother Danilo Lebid, went missing in November 1943. Prior to that he was awarded two medals "For Courage". After the war, the older sisters Galina, Maria and the youngest Mykola lived with their mother.

Following his education at the Leningrad Vera Mukhina Higher School of Art and Design (1957-1963), Mykola Lebid worked as an art-designer of the "Ukrdipromebli" Institute and the Institute of Technical Aesthetics in Kyiv (1964–1967). Was a chief artist of the "Ukrtorgreklama" (1966–1973). In 1967 became a member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine. An author of the Khreshchatyk street holiday lighting (1967–1977). Mykola Lebid created a series of lamps for public institutions; musical instruments for Chernihiv and Zhytomyr musical factories (in particular, the famous piano "Ukraine"); children's wooden toys and souvenirs, which were produced in the 1960-1970s at the Chernihiv and Kiev factories. Mykola Lebid is an author of cutlery made of gold and silver, souvenirs made by the "Ukrsamotsvity" jewelry factory, watch design, filmoscopes, loudspeakers, and other household products. They are copyrighted and produced since the 1970s, some were produced up to the 2000s.

Watercolor paintings of Mykola Lebid are among the best created in this technique by contemporary artists. Are written alla prima, extremely transparent, passionate and at the same time are in logical design, rhythm and composition. Both in painting and in design Mykola Lebid does not copy the objects of nature, but expresses the regularities by all means available. Watercolor paintings were exhibited at numerous personal and group exhibitions.

Since the 1980s, Mykola Lebid has been engaged in environmental and landscape design. Comprehensive presentation of Ukraine at the 12th World Festival of Youth and Students in Moscow, 1985 (M. Ostrovsky Prize, 1986). Small architectural forms and history museum in Varva (1986–1990). Memorial "Defenders of the Motherland" in Borova (1987). Belgorod Central Park (Russia, 1988), ukrainian-russian restaurant in Dubai (UAE, 1996), etc.

In the field of graphics, M. Lebid developed the corporate style of the "Science" club of the Academy of Sciences of Ukraine (1980–1983). He is an author of series of commemorative medals and badges for Kiev radio plant "Slavutich" (1982–1989). In 1992 Mykola Lebid received the honorary title of Honored Artist of Ukraine. In 1999 in tight competition M. Lebid became the author of the state award Order "For Courage" and about twenty departmental awards. In 1999 he was nominated for the honorary title of People's Artist of Ukraine.

During last years of life, Mykola Lebid passed on his skills to students of the Institute of Interior Design and Landscape (National Academy of Government Managerial Staff of Culture and Arts). He died at his home in Kiev on 29 March 2007, surrounded by his family.

Paintings by M. Lebid can be found in collections throughout the USA, United Kingdom, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Canada, Ukraine, Germany, United Arab Emirates, Russia, Austria, Belgium, Netherlands, and others.
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