Protection of Mother of
God- Zilinko Roman, Ukraine
At least 95 Ukrainian artists have been
killed since the start of the war, according to the United Nations and PEN (the
acronym that stands for the international association of poets, essayists,
novelists, playwrights, editors and nonfiction writers).
Russia’s relentless attack has destroyed
hundreds of museums, libraries, churches and archives, in what is a deliberate
campaign of destruction.”
“Destroying our culture is the purpose of
everything the Russians are doing,” Marjana Varchuk, director of communications
at the Khanenko Museum, said to PEN America. “Culture and language strengthen our nation, they
remind us of our history. That’s why the Russians are shelling our monuments,
our museums, and our history.” But Ukrainian artists are fighting Russia’s
ongoing attempt to destroy their culture and are using their art to call the
world’s attention to Ukraine’s resilience.
Ukraine reports that Russia has stolen its art and looted more
than 30 museums, the biggest art theft since the Nazis in World War II. In
Kherson, Ukrainian authorities report Russian soldiers cutting paintings from
frames, stealing priceless antiques and plundering more than 10,000 works of
art.
Nations across Europe and around the world are still organizing
traveling art exhibitions featuring modern Ukrainian art. These exhibitions
showcase Ukrainian art to an international audience and protect the work from
destruction and theft by Russian troops.
Despite all the loss and destruction, Ukrainian artists remain optimistic about the future of Ukrainian culture.
“We had a Ukrainian renaissance once and now it can be the same,” Ukrainian poet Lyuba Yakimchuk told The Guardian. “You feel this energy; there are a lot of stories created by this war. We need to write them. People can grow after trauma — and it can happen with a society, too. I believe we will create something new.”
Some young artists have fled to safer havens, especially in Poland where they can more easily practice their art, away from constant shelling and air raids and blackouts.
As one said: “It is important for
Ukrainian artists to travel so we can share what is actually happening in
Ukraine.”
Icon: Mother of Mercy- Ukraine