Hopefulness by Anatli Rychik
A powerful new art exhibition showcasing Ukraine’s cultural heritage and its resilience in the face of war has opened at the University of Winchester.
The show, which features work by members of the Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association (WUCA), was officially opened by the Deputy Mayor of Winchester Cllr Jamie Scott at the University’s West Downs Gallery.
It is organised by WUCA in partnership with the University, Winchester City Council, and Ukrainian Artists & Art, a non-profit cultural platform supporting Ukrainian artists in the UK, Ukraine, Canada, Poland and Germany.
Deputy Mayor of Winchester Cllr Jamie Scott (centre) at the opening of the exhibition at the University of Winchester's West Downs Gallery
They have brought together works in range of styles and media united by a shared reflection on Ukraine as a cultural, historical and deeply personal space.
Each piece was selected to illustrate the experiences of Ukrainian people over recent years.
Divided into four sections, the exhibition guides viewers through life in Ukraine in a time before the war with Russia, during the first days of the invasion, the present, and finally, hopes for the future.
The youngest artist featured is 11-year-old Myron Frolov.
Awaiting the Refugee Train by Masha Dunn
Yuliia Dubovyk, Chair of WUCA, 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 behind each artwork, it’s much more meaningful than you imagine.
“WUCA aims to show and celebrate Ukrainian culture as well as support the local community. We feel really happy and grateful to the University of Winchester and Winchester City Council.”
Exhibiting artist, Larisa Kirichenkova, said: “I want to be involved in Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy and help to promote historical knowledge and beauty of our country in other cultural environments.”
Iryna Tolokonnikova, Founder and Lead Curator of Ukrainian Artists & Art, said: “For the artists of our platform, this exhibition is a deeply meaningful and important event. It brings together individual artistic voices to tell a shared story of Ukraine through the experiences of each artist.”
Oksana Masiutkina, an exhibiting artist living in the UK, said: ‘I am beyond grateful for everyone who organized this exhibition. It is my message to remind the world that the war is continuing. Ukraine everyday pays a huge price for freedom. Your support is very important.”
Stolen Youth (The War) by Oksana Masiutkina
Pro Vice Chancellor of the University, Sam Jones said: "We are so honoured to be hosting this amazing exhibition put together by the Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association. The exhibition is particularly timely, being almost exactly four years since the full scale invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
“As a university, we have worked with others in Winchester to do what we can to support Ukrainians forced to leave their country and move to the area, and this exhibition is another opportunity for us to do this.
“What is powerful about the exhibition, aside from its beauty, is the stories it tells. So much of coming to university is about hearing stories and learning and growing from them, to help us understand and navigate a complex world. I hope the Winchester community is able to take as much from this exhibition as we have".
The exhibition runs until 13 February. The gallery is open to the public from 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday and from 8.30am to 4pm on Saturdays.
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