Daria Zhdanova
The exhibition of Ukrainian artists, held for a week leading up to Vyshyvanka Day (from May 12th to 17th), was a wonderful gift to all visitors at Cardiff Library and a significant contribution to showcasing Ukrainian culture.
The artists’ works were undeniably the centerpiece and a vibrant backdrop for the event. Rich in symbolism, depth, and compelling imagery, they spoke volumes to everyone present. These powerful pieces quietly yet poignantly reflected our current realities, reigniting a sense of Ukrainian identity through the generations and actively forging a new one. The expressive beauty etched onto each canvas truly showcased the immense soul of every artist involved.
We’d like to introduce you to the participating artists through the unique perspective of the main exhibition organizer.
Reflections on Vyshyvanka Day in Cardiff
By Nonna Davydenko, Artist and Exhibition Curator
It’s been some time since Vyshyvanka Day took place on May 17th at Cardiff Central Library, and I’ve had a chance to reflect on the event and the lasting impressions of the exhibition. What remains is the powerful memory that despite being far from Ukraine, we celebrated Vyshyvanka Day together, feeling warmth and mutual support.
There was a genuine appreciation for the beauty of Ukrainian attire and its modern interpretations. The presence of so many children and young people brought a vibrant energy, fostering a joyful outlook on life and the future. I know this is paramount for us, for Ukraine. Therefore, immense gratitude goes to everyone who created, supported, participated, and attended. The sense of life and language — this is what we strive for, both for ourselves and for Ukraine.
I was invited to help organize the exhibition, and for that, I am incredibly grateful. Every exhibition is a journey of discovery, especially a collective one. Creating something new, showcasing each artist’s uniqueness, and forging a cohesive whole is challenging, but this time, we succeeded. It was a shame to dismantle it at the end of the celebration, but we were delighted to have had the opportunity.
The exhibition united us, allowing us to get to know each other better. It reaffirmed that together, we are strong! This included professional artists who have long dedicated themselves to their craft, those just beginning their artistic journey, and others discovering new facets of their talent. It’s fascinating to observe all of this and even more rewarding to witness positive changes when support and belief are present. Therefore, it’s our ongoing work to foster such a community.
Featured Artists
Our exhibition was opened by professional artist Tania Kudria, with her exquisite embroidered artwork on canvas. Her painting, “Sky of Kyiv,” became the hallmark of our event. Her works often combine emotional color expression with profound symbolism, drawing inspiration from nature, feminine strength, and Ukrainian cultural heritage.
I am very grateful to young artists Ihnat Makiienko and Anna Iaremenko for their thoughtful reflections on Ukraine, our symbols, and traditions, all meaningfully conveyed in their works.
Olesia Miftahova is an intriguing and sensitive individual. I had the honor of becoming acquainted with her work as a poet, and she is equally impactful through her drawing art. Through her art, she explores emotional and philosophical questions about existence, identity, and the interconnectedness of all living things.
A unique individual with extraordinary talents is artist Pavlo Gulevaty. He impressed not only by preparing his artworks for the exhibition but also by creating the display stands. He possesses a professional sense of color, a vivid depiction of movement, and a wonderful fusion of abstraction and reality.
Oksana Frolova is a porcelain enchantress who not only creates jewelry but also composes paintings from them. Of her creations, one can truly say, “Beauty will save the world.” I can’t imagine how she makes them. She is a delicate woman with a rich imagination, which she beautifully showcases in her pieces.
Nina Lachyna-Thomas is an artist with a distinct style. Her art is always colorful, festive, and authentically “ours” in its vibrancy. She skillfully conveys Ukrainian life, full of love, hope, and faith.
Talented artist Olena Voronenko favors oil paint and experimental techniques in her work, combining various materials. She has not only developed her own talent but also possesses a knack for teaching — truly another one of her gifts.
Delicate and sensitive artist Yanina Lebid creates works marked by a subtle balance between emotion and structure, often reflecting themes of resilience, memory, and freedom. Painting has become for her not only a form of creative self-expression but also a way to find harmony in a changing world.
Nataliia Zabolotska is my friend and a teacher whose painting I admire personally and support as her manager. She captivates with her love for all living things and nature, and the masterful way she conveys this in her works, breathing new life into them every time.
To learn more about the artists and their work:
In addition to the featured artists’ exhibition, Vyshyvanka Day presented diverse displays of distinctive Ukrainian folk artistry. These included beautiful straw creations, traditional Ukrainian folk dolls, and richly embroidered vyshyvankas and beaded items. A personal collection of Nicola Boichuk’s historical photographs and folk art further enriched the cultural experience.
The event was organized by Yuliia Bond and the Welsh Refugee Council, with support from Cardiff Library and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
