A celebration of compassion and resilience on the eve of Ukrainian Independence Day Celebrations.
More than 75 people attended the opening of a month-long exhibition of Ukrainian art on the first floor of old Debenhams building. The building has now fully utilised by DGMA, Dumfries and Galloway Multicultural Association to deliver vital community support services to the diverse cultures which make up our rich and complex community.
DGMA had the privilege of listening to the stories of an up-and-coming self-taught artist from Ukraine, Svitlana Chernenko. Since arriving in the UK in March the outpouring of her experiences on canvas has been both prodigious, poignant, and therapeutic. One cannot help but be moved by the rawness, resilience and ultimate optimism in her work, the sadness and self-belief of a father as he parts from his son on the Romanian border, a reminder of the senseless slaughter of men and livestock at a Kherson riding school, the poignance of two lovers as they sit watching possibly their last sunset in Odessa, resolute in their determination to face life together and not be silenced in the shadows. These are timeless tales of human resilience and independence, articulated and ascribed in the image our very own Highland coo, we are reminded of the powerful potential in learning about ourselves through the lens of other cultures.
Other works include some marvellous traditional Ukrainian embroidery by Marina Berezovska.
And if sunflowers, the traditional symbol of Ukraine, are your thing then be sure to look at the paintings by Olga Lapteva including some beautiful landscapes from Upper-Nithsdale.
Ukraine in Scotland – an exhibition of powerful artwork by Ukrainian artists runs from 24th August until September 17th at DGMA Conference Hall, Old Debenhams Building, High Street, Dumfries DG1 2QT.
For further information please email [email protected] or phone 01387 254624.
