Misappropriation of works by artist Ivan Marchuk constitutes encroachment on national cultural heritage – UINR

This position was expressed by the Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance (UINR) regarding the situation surrounding the artistic legacy of Ivan Marchuk, Ukrinform reports.

“The Ukrainian Institute of National Remembrance, as a central executive authority implementing state policy in the field of preserving the national memory of the Ukrainian people, expresses its support for Ukrainian artist Ivan Marchuk in connection with the situation involving the misappropriation of the rights to use all of his works by other individuals, including the right to an exclusive license,” the UINR stated.

As noted by the Institute, this position “is based on the fact that the licensing agreement was signed, according to the artist, under the influence of deception, on unfavorable and disproportionate terms for the author, which violate his copyright.”

In addition, the UINR emphasized that “Ivan Marchuk’s works are of nationwide value, as the results of his artistic activity constitute an integral part of Ukraine’s cultural heritage. The misappropriation of his paintings and other works is a serious encroachment on the national cultural heritage and causes significant damage to Ukraine’s authority at the state level.”

The UINR expressed hope that the issue raised would be considered and resolved within the framework of current Ukrainian legislation, with adherence to the principles of legality, justice, and the rule of law.

“We would like to add that Ivan Marchuk stated that in 2020, when signing the agreement, he believed he was signing a ‘memorandum of intentions’ and immediately requested that it be declared invalid. Several years later, he learned that other individuals were presenting themselves as the owners of the rights to his works and were using them without his consent. In July 2025, Marchuk filed a lawsuit seeking to have the agreement declared invalid and to restore his copyright, emphasizing that the matter concerns not only his personal interests but also the protection of Ukraine’s cultural heritage,” the UINR noted.

“The Institute affirms its respect for Ivan Marchuk – a world-renowned artist whose creative legacy has significant cultural and social value and is a component of the historical memory of the Ukrainian people,” the UINR stated.

As previously reported by Ukrinform, Mykhailo Apostol, a Member of Parliament of Ukraine of the 7th convocation, denies having any registered copyrights to the paintings of the renowned Ukrainian artist Ivan Marchuk. In a video address, he said that Marchuk had approached him for help in returning 101 of his most valuable paintings that were being taken to Spain, and that thanks to his assistance, the artworks were successfully returned.

Earlier, on his official Facebook page, Marchuk reported an attempt by other individuals to seize the copyrights to his works. The post also noted that, on the advice of lawyers, Marchuk filed a court claim and hopes for a fair decision.

The court proceedings to invalidate the licensing agreement referred to in Marchuk’s post have been ongoing since July of this year in Ternopil. The case is being heard by the Ternopil City District Court.

Photo: kaniv-rada.gov.ua