Ivan Marchuk, iconic Ukrainian artist, says he was scammed. He's now fighting for rights to his life's work

At nearly 90, the Ukrainian painter Ivan Marchuk — widely regarded as one of the country's most important living artists — has found himself in an unexpected role: a plaintiff fighting to maintain the full creative rights to his vast body of work.

Marchuk turned to the courts last year after he said that he was deceived into signing away the rights for a period of 100 years to three other people — all for Hr 10,000 ($228).

The court process is still ongoing.

Photo: Ivan Marchuk