The Ukrainian Artists Exhibition, opened on Tuesday, January 19, at the University of Winchester, where a variety of works from Ukrainian artists living in the UK, Canada, and Ukraine, have been displayed.
The artwork span a wide range of artistic genres and practices, offering a collective reflection on Ukraine as a cultural, historical, and deeply personal space.
The exhibition, organised by WUCA, WCC and the university, has four parts which are displayed in chronological order, including paintings of pre-war Ukraine, during war, post war and citizens hope for the future. Every piece was selected to illustrate the lives of Ukrainian people over the last few years.
Yuliia Dubovyk, chair of Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association, said: “It’s amazing. First you see how beautiful the art is and you have your own ideas about what you see, then when you learn the history it’s much more meaningful than you imagine. WUCA aims to show and celebrate Ukrainian culture as well as support the community and we participate in so many events. We feel really happy and grateful to the University of Winchester and Winchester City Council.”
One of the artists, Viktoria Bezugla, said: “When I moved to England I went to an art class and was tasked with creating a human figure and I didn’t have a vision at first. When I first started creating the work, I realised that it wasn’t actually me painting but my conscious working through me. I was crying so much I couldn’t see what I was painting and my works are a result of all my emotions. Art is a really strong tool for healing.”
The exhibition has been in the works for months and is a culmination of art from more than 300 artists from eight countries. The youngest artist with work on display in Winchester is only eleven years old, Myron Tolokonnikova, who has autism and uses art as a way of expressing himself.
His mother, Iryna Tolokonnikova, said: “I am so proud. There are so many amazing Ukrainian artists that take part and this is all about celebrating and having an amazing feeling. We are like one big family and together are feeling hopeful.”
The exhibition will be open to the public until Friday, February 13, and opening hours are Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm and Saturday from 8:30am to 4pm.
Entry to the exhibition is free.
