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On March 1, 2025, the Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art hosted the opening of the anniversary exhibition "The Artistic Heritage of Gennady Harmider".

Gennady Vasilyevich Harmider is a prominent Ukrainian artist known for his work in graphics, painting, and book illustration. His artistic output spans various techniques, including oil painting and etching. He is particularly drawn to urban landscapes, as well as still lifes and portraits, both realistic and fictional. He has illustrated around 200 books and created over 20 ex-libris.

"We take pride in the artistic legacy of Gennady Harmider, who beautifully captured the essence of Odessa in his works. His collection also includes pieces dedicated to sister cities of Odessa and significant historical events. Harmider's works are housed in museums worldwide, in private collections, and, of course, in the homes of Odessans," noted Ivan Liptuga, the Director of the Department of International Cooperation, Culture, and Marketing of the Odessa City Council.

During the exhibition opening, artists, journalists, writers, and art historians shared insights about Gennady Harmider's creativity and life journey.

The exhibition features over 100 works created during the 50 years of his artistic career.

These include etchings from popular series: "Odessa in the Early 19th Century", "Odessa and the French", "Daily Life in Odessa at the Turn of the 19th to 20th Century", and "Theater and the City".

A unique piece on display is a map of the historical center of Odessa, crafted in the etching technique. It consists of nine separately printed parts that connect together. There are only up to five copies existing in private collections and in the possession of the artist's family.

The series "My Ukraine" is filled with warmth and lyricism, showcasing landscape sketches of nature and daily life from various regions of Ukraine — Chernihiv, Cherkasy, Zhytomyr, Odessa, and more.

The series "10 Days on a Trimaran" vividly conveys the exhilarating dialogue between humans and the sea's elements.

Gennady Harmider's painting attracts significant interest, as his graphic works are exhibited almost annually, while his paintings were last shown extensively in 2005 for the artist's 60th anniversary.

This year, on February 21, Gennady Harmider would have celebrated his 80th birthday. He passed away on March 16, 2023, leaving behind a vast artistic legacy. His works are held in 27 museums across Ukraine.

The Odessa Museum of Western and Eastern Art is open daily except Wednesdays from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM.