Dariia Zhdanova
A noticeable event took place on September 19 in the spacious Penallta House, once again demonstrating the power of art, the unity of the Ukrainian community in Caerphilly, and the support of the local population and government officials.
A Garden of Shared Memories
The key moment of the event was the opening of the exhibition by Ukrainian artist and poet Olesia Miftahova, “Garden of Memories: Growing Beyond,” organized with the assistance of British Member of Parliament Chris Evans MP.
Tanya Bazhan, Olesia Miftahova and Delyth Jewell, MS in front of “Gardens of Memory”
For many Ukrainians who have left their native land, the theme of roots growing in a new country is a unifying one. It is the strong roots grown in Ukraine that give them the strength and inspiration to grow in a new space, bringing their creativity and spirit with them.
The union, the intertwining of meanings through time, is something that comes from within, penetrating the sometimes traumatic experience of difficult trials and heavy losses, yet capable of building a renewed integrity. The metaphorical research of Olesia’s creative work, which took more than six months of meticulous effort, strangely blossomed with meaning and created an additional layer of awareness of what is happening to all of us now: absorbing the past and a future that has not yet come to pass, but already exists and is clearly felt. We are in unity, mutual understanding, and mutual acceptance.
“Gardens of Memory” series
It is interesting that the themes revealed in Olesia’s work are also close to the hearts of the dear people of Wales. Its residents also feel a deep connection to their own land, rich history, and lush natural beauty. They are friendly and open people who sincerely love their own roots but in their majority are not afraid to embrace the cultures of other nations, seeing what is beneath the surface and can unite people of very different backgrounds at a deep level.
In the “Landscapes” series, Olesia Miftahova captures the essence of places both near and far — from the Carpathian Mountains in Ukraine to the hills of Wales.
I especially want to emphasize that to truly immerse yourself in Olesia’s work, it is important to spend time in silence with her paintings and thoughtful descriptions, to feel and capture many new, profound meanings that enrich one’s understanding of life and how everything is intertwined in it in wonderful ways. Nothing is detached, and everything has its natural, harmonious place if you stop for a moment and listen to yourself, allowing yourself to feel the incredible magic of life that grows through any distortions and false states, if they do not come from the pure source of Love in its highest sense.
In the “Body” series, Olesia Miftahova explores the hidden inner world of psychological states and emotions that dwell within us, often invisible yet profoundly present.
Once again, Olesia Miftahova proves that art connects people and gives a voice to untold stories. Being a bridge between nations, it allows us to find global points of intersection and understanding through images.
The council building itself, with its glass wall, airy, spacious, and atmospheric, was an ideal place for the exhibition and graciously welcomed all visitors and participants. Olesia expresses her sincere gratitude to everyone who helped set up the exhibition, especially Kostiantyn Kozlov.
The Melodies of a New Home
It is incredibly wonderful to feel and see how creativity unfolds in the most diverse forms. At the event, which was also dedicated to expressing sincere gratitude to the Welsh people, a creative and aesthetic approach was evident in everything: the carefully selected attire of the Ukrainian community representatives, the performances of the artists, and the choice of Ukrainian songs—after all, the Ukrainian people have always been famous for their musical creativity.
In the charming, fairy-tale image of a mythical forest creature, singer and poet Lietta performed her own song “Pastka” (The Trap). It is symbolic that the theme of roots and the intersection of times is present here as well, as the image was inspired in 2020 by “The Forest Song” of the famous Ukrainian poet Lesya Ukrainka. The duet of Tetiana Andriienko and Nicola Boichuk, a Welsh woman with Ukrainian roots, performed more traditional songs for those present. And once again, we see an example of successful cooperation between people of different nations based on cultural and creative activities.
Singer Lietta with her song “Pastka”
The duet of Tetiana Andriienko and Nicola Boichuk
Preceding the concert program, the guests were addressed by the main organizer of the event and representative of the Ukrainian community, Yulia Bond, and one of the best friends of Ukrainians in Wales, Ukraine manager in Welsh Refugee Council, Nick Wysoczanskyj.
Nick Wysoczanskyj and Yuliia Bond
In her speech, Yulia touched on essential things and gave tribute to recently passed away Member of the Senedd for Caerphilly Hefin David: “For me and for our Ukrainian community, Hefin David MS was more than a politician – he was a true friend. When I first arrived, he made me feel at home, not as a refugee needing help, but as a neighbour and an equal. His kindness and his belief in Wales as a Nation of Sanctuary gave us hope and strength. His loss is deeply painful, but his spirit lives on in the values he stood for. Whatever comes next, we must hold on to those values of sanctuary, compassion, and unity, and keep building a community where everyone belongs.”
The piercing original poems read by Olesia Miftahova resonated with the somber theme. They were filled with striking emotions against a background of everyday calm and natural beauty:
“autumn, take it and drink
sorrow like a pond without fish.
a dead, yellowed linden tree,
the sun blinks through the branches.
where are you—if not with god
you fell from a handful onto the floor,
gather yourself for the road again,
take a little of the anxiety.
i am now autumnal too,
leaves have settled on my shoulders.
you know your helplessness?
i asked for myself.”
Olesia Miftahova reading her poetry
A Table Full of Gratitude
The Ukrainian kitchen area was a real sensation of the event. Expressing their gratitude to the Welsh people, Ukrainian hostesses brought delicious dishes prepared with care, soul, and warmth, which not only delighted with a variety of flavors but also pleased the eye. And how well this hospitality corresponds to the essence of the Ukrainian people: the joy of treating guests can be called a fundamental trait of Ukrainian women.
The richness of the Ukrainian table with traditional dishes and signature delicacie
My grandparents lived by the philosophy, “Feed your guests to their heart’s content, even if it means you go hungry.” And my mother continues this tradition, passing the baton on. Perhaps it is this hospitality that is accompanied by a deep sense of abundance inherent in Ukrainians—for this is how the Ukrainian land has always given and continues to give birth, nourishing the body and spirit with a natural abundance that one wants to share with others.
The sincerest gratitude and hugs goes to every hostess who took part in creating the homey, warm atmosphere and also carefully decorated the table with symbolic details and elements of Ukrainian decor:
the owners of the recently opened cafe in Caerphilly, “Coffi Cava” – sisters Liudmyla Famtsova and Hanna Famtsova, Lyudmila Shchito, Alla Lapenko, Larysa Muliarchuk, Anna Kritina, Yaryna Sluka, Tetiana Kuksenko, Alevtyna Kovalova and Olha Kubyshkina, Tetiana Nesterenko, Oksana Vakulenko, and Irina Vortchenko.
Чарівні українські господині
Building a Future Together
The event would have been meaningless without the guests, among whom were esteemed representatives of government and all those who actively support Ukrainians in Wales and do concrete work in the county: The Welsh Government’s Minister for Social Justice – Jane Hutt MS, Richard Tunnicliffe, Cllr Lindsay Whittle, council interim leader Jamie Pritchard, Plaid Cymru Senedd Members Delyth Jewell and Peredur Owen Griffiths, and former Caerphilly Labour MP Wayne David and other councillors, the CCBC resettlement support team, charities, hosts, and friends.
Guests of the exhibition
Your contribution to supporting people who were forced to leave their homes cannot be overestimated. It is thanks to it that we can freely build a new life, grow new wings, find inner strength in a safe and friendly environment, express ourselves freely and with inspiration, and realize our dreams. I am sure that Ukrainians will remember this contribution for generations, as the future of the Ukrainian people is now developing right here: attending nurseries and child groups, schools, and universities. Ukrainian kids are learning the local culture but not losing their identity. Boundless sincere gratitude for every small step, individual help, and for the big decisions that shape the future in cooperation! This is what helps us not to get stuck in frustration and to move forward despite all the difficulties of adaptation and the alarming, sometimes tragic, news from our native home.
We want to believe that our creative energy also helps to develop society in Wales and enriches its diversity.
The Voice and Soul of a Community
The event would not have been possible without the central figure, the voice and soul of the Ukrainian community in the Caerphilly area and beyond—Yulia Bond. Yulia is an outstanding communicator, capable of bringing people from different fields of activity together at one point and creating a harmonious combination of talents within the overall fabric of a meaningful event, giving it a noticeable scale. She helps Ukrainians discover their best qualities and show them in joint events and everyday life. A deep bow to you for the restless, exhausting, but very important work you do for all Ukrainians!
Nick Wysoczanskyj, Yuliia Bond and Jamie Pritchard
This event was a powerful reminder of how Ukrainian art and hospitality reveal the beautiful mosaic of a community rich with shared understanding and mutual support.
Photographer: Dariia Zhdanova
