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ARTISTS TODAY IN UKRAINE- THE ON-GOING BATTLE

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                    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.

We are providing “concrete support to the Ukrainian artists who, in these dramatic hours, are fleeing from the horrors of war to find refuge in Italy,” said Italian Minister of Culture Dario Franceschini when he signed a 2 million-euro grant for 20 Italian cultural foundations to host Ukrainian artists in residence. “Allowing them to continue in their creative work is an important gesture of solidarity: a sign that culture truly unites the world.”

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



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