On July 3, 2026, a special meeting took place at Vienna City Hall (Rathaus) between the Ukrainian artist Ivan Marchuk and Michael Ludwig, Mayor of the Austrian capital.

Held at the Mayor’s invitation, the meeting unfolded in a warm and cordial atmosphere. The conversation touched on art, Marchuk’s exhibition activity in Vienna, his creative ideas, and future projects.

Over the four years of his stay in Vienna, Ivan Marchuk’s exhibitions have attracted more than 30,000 residents and visitors to the Austrian capital. The artist noted that Vienna is a city that “smells and breathes art,” as its cultural tradition and openness to creativity create a unique atmosphere for artists from around the world.

Ivan Marchuk expressed his deep appreciation for Michael Ludwig’s knowledge of his life and artistic journey, his innovative signature technique of Pliontanism, and his contribution to world art. The Mayor showed genuine interest in the artist’s wish to continue taking part in the city’s cultural life and to enrich its artistic space through his work.

Also attending were Thomas Reindl, Member of the Vienna State Parliament; Vasyl Khymynets, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the Republic of Austria, representing the Embassy of Ukraine in Austria; and Professor Christoph Hirschmann, a well-known Austrian journalist, cultural commentator, and media manager.

To commemorate the occasion, Ivan Marchuk presented the Mayor with one of his works created in his signature technique of Pliontanism — the painting Moonlit Night — as well as the five-volume catalogue “The Voice of My Soul.” 

Photo: Stadt Wien / Bubu Dujmic