Art as Protest--and Therapy--in War-Ravaged Ukraine

Art as Protest—and Therapy—in War-Ravaged Ukraine
5/26/2023 by Tiara Azimova
“Every moment is precious. If I have a last opportunity to say something, I have to make it through art by telling the truth.”

In Rivne, a city in northwestern Ukraine within a three-hour drive from the Polish border, a mural covers the side of a building along a busy pedestrian thoroughfare: Соборная 183. The painting, “The Beautiful Lady Won’t Endure It,” depicts a woman wearing a traditional Ukrainian costume holding a rifle. She appears brave and determined. The artist, Konstantin Kachanovsky, said the “beautiful lady” represents Ukraine itself.


“The Beautiful Lady Won’t Endure It” by Konstantin Kachanovsky.

Art inspired by the Russian invasion of Ukraine fills Rivne, where an exhibition of 44 paintings by Ukrainian artists opened last year at The Euro Gallery. The show, “Art of a New Caliber,” included 44 paintings. Half of the funds from ticket sales benefited the Armed Forces of Ukraine—but the show’s ultimate goal was to inspire bravery amidst so much uncertainty.


“Ukranian Spring Before The War” by Olha Krutiy.

I interviewed several of the Ukrainian artists involved in the show. Everyone I spoke to was expecting a conflict to arise, but not one of this gravity. Artist Olha Krutiy demonstrates the calm before the storm in her painting “Ukrainian Spring Before the War.” The colors in the work are peaceful; the blooming flowers on the tree blend with the blue sky and clouds. There is no sign of danger or aggression—just a faint outline of a woman who is wearing traditional Ukrainian clothes as she rests her head on the wall of a cabin. She seems relaxed and quiet. “I couldn’t believe that this invasion actually happened. We talked about it for a couple of months before with my family and friends, but we didn’t believe that it could actually happen,” said graphic designer Olga Drobot.

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“Russian-Ukrainian Family” by Anatoliy Ivanenko.

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“Heroes of Azovstal” by Luba Krailyuk.
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“Mural” by Konstantin Kachanovsky.

Through the mural, Kachanovsky aimed to represent the bravery of the Ukrainian people and the value of those who fight for the protection of his country. Against a blue and yellow background, he depicts Ukrainians who represent hope and courage: a baker, who provides his people with food; a nurse, who helped deliver babies in bomb shelters; a Ukrainian soldier with a service dog; and a Ukrainian firefighter. In the center of the mural, he illustrated a child, representing the future generation of Ukraine. The child proudly wears the color of his flag on his hands, which are raised up in the air. Like many men of military age, Kachanovsky was unable to leave Ukraine. “I didn’t have a choice,” he said. “As a man, I wasn’t allowed to leave, and I didn’t have the resources to do so.” Instead he stayed and decided to dedicate his art to the Ukrainian people. Many have visited Kachanovsky’s murals and taken pictures with them—including Olga Drobot, who feels supported by fellow artists who are making an impact with their dedicated work. “Every moment is precious,” Drobot said. “If I have a last opportunity to say something, I have to make it through art by telling the truth.”

https://msmagazine.com/2023/05/26/ukraine-art-protest-therapy/