Portrait of Olesia Miftahova, Ukrainian artist and mother of three
The Journey Begins
Olesia’s story began like that of many Ukrainian families who faced an impossible choice in 2022. Despite their unwavering belief in Ukraine’s victory, the constant shelling and winter blackouts made daily life with three children increasingly dangerous.
“We had to think about our three children. Ultimately, we decided that the most important thing was to preserve the life and health of our children, and that became the decisive factor in our decision to move.”
The early months in Wales brought their challenges. Olesia received support from her children, husband, the Ukrainian community, their host family, and the local Welsh community, though the emotional weight of leaving loved ones behind remained difficult.
“The hardest thing is realizing that our relatives and loved ones remain under shelling in cities and at the front.”
Creative Transformation
For Olesia, a published poet in Ukraine, creativity had always been important. The crisis brought changes to her artistic practice. While she continues to write and perform poetry, Wales sparked a deeper connection to visual art.
“It was in Britain that I realized that through painting I can express what words don’t have time to capture. This isn’t a rejection of poetry, but rather an expansion of my creative voice.”
Olesia reads her poetry at Caffi Soar (Merthyr Tydfil). The event held on June 14th was organized by Olesia Miftahova together with Mike Jenkins
With the painting “An Outsider Among Its Own”
This artistic transformation reflects how trauma can reshape not just what we create, but how we create. Her early work during the war was darker, more deformed, but gradually led to a search for new images and a different artistic voice.
“Art is a form of internal therapy, but for me it’s not limited to that. There are themes that concern me and that I strive to raise in my work to make them visible.”
The Turning Point
The turning point came through an unexpected venue: Caerphilly Library. What began as a community space became a place of power for Ukrainians and for Olesia personally.
“It was there that one of the exhibitions took place that opened new doors for my art. But what I love most is that it’s not just an exhibition space, but the heart of the community, where different people and cultures intersect. This is a place where creativity belongs to everyone.”
Recognition came through community connections. Local MP Chris Evans and councillor Jamie Pritchard supported her work, understanding the effort behind each exhibition.
“This support makes exhibitions not only a creative, but also a socially significant experience,” Olesia acknowledges.
With MP Chris Evans (on the right)
With Cllr Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader of Caerphilly County Borough Council
With Michael Prew, Mayor of Caerphilly Town Council
Building Community Connections
The transformation from struggling newcomer to established community member didn’t happen overnight. Over the past year, Olesia and her family realized several important projects with the local community.
“When people see your sincere interest and willingness to create together, you stop being just a guest and find your true place.”
Her genuine fascination with Welsh culture and desire to help popularize it created authentic connections that transcended the typical host-refugee dynamic.
Balancing Motherhood and Art
Balancing motherhood with intensive artistic activity presents daily challenges, but Olesia views her children as her greatest driving force.
“They don’t let me stop, they inspire and give emotional depth to my life and creativity. For me, motherhood is simultaneously a challenge and a source of the purest emotions that help me move forward in any circumstances.”
The practical aspects of managing both roles require careful planning and conscious attention to time.
“Limited time forces me to value every free minute and use it as productively as possible for art. Lists, schedules, and planning boards help organize time, but the key is approaching each moment mindfully.”
Her children’s rapid adaptation to Welsh schools provided crucial emotional support for the entire family. Initially worried about language and cultural barriers, Olesia found that Welsh schools and social services are exceptionally well-organized, with teachers paying attention to each child and providing support.
“Watching my children quickly integrate into the new environment, I felt confidence and peace.”
Garden of Memory: The First Solo Exhibition
The first solo exhibition, “Garden of Memory,” marked a pivotal result of months of creative strivings. The exhibition required enormous effort—physical, material, and moral—and involved many people. Her family and both Ukrainian and Welsh communities helped make the project a reality.
“Starting life from scratch is always difficult: material limitations, language barriers, new standards. But when you see that your work and the support of loved ones produces results, you understand that you’re not just surviving—you’re beginning to live.”
Close supporters: Robin Grayson (on the left) and Kostiantyn Kozlov (on the right)
“Gardens of Memory” exhibition opening
International Recognition
Success in the art world, Olesia believes, never comes by accident. Behind every sold work and exhibition stands labor, patience, and self-belief. Her paintings began selling through Saatchi Art, and invitations to international exhibitions followed.
“Many artist friends have proven that only through effort and persistence can you see the first fruits of your creativity.”
Welsh-Ukrainian cultural event, organized together with Cardiff University
Participating in “Gardens of Life” exhibition, POSK Gallery, London
With Nick Wysoczanskyj at Art Exhibition and Art Fair. Ukraine Independence Day in Cardiff
Present Reality and Future Hopes
Today, her works are being shown in Ukraine, Turkey, and throughout Britain. However, the refugee status remains a constant reality.
“The war in Ukraine continues, and this constantly reminds us of the reality in which we live.”
The transition from refugee to international artist carries this complex duality—recognition alongside ongoing displacement.
The paintings donated to the library and local council represent more than artistic gifts; they’re expressions of gratitude.
“These paintings are just a small thank you for all the enormous support and help that the library and local council provided and continue to provide to Ukrainians.”
Maintaining Identity Through Change
When asked about maintaining identity during radical life changes, Olesia emphasizes the importance of knowing your anchor points.
“For me, it has always been my family and creativity.”
The combination of talent, luck, and persistence creates possibilities, but the foundation remains daily dedication and willingness to invest oneself in creative work.
Creative process: making sketches and being inspired by natural beauty in Kew Gardens, London
For others facing similar circumstances—new country, children, uncertainty—her advice is practical yet profound:
“When coming to a new country, it’s important to accept its rules and new reality, and try to find your own anchor point and support within that.”
The Evolving Concept of Home
The concept of home has evolved for Olesia. While Ukraine will always remain her home—where her relatives and roots are—the hospitality and kindness of the Welsh people have created a sense of belonging.
“For me, home has always been about people and closeness to them. I miss Ukraine very much, but the hospitality and goodwill of the Welsh help me feel almost at home here. Perhaps you can have several homes if your heart accepts these places and the people who fill them.”
Art as Universal Language
Through her art, Olesia serves as a bridge between cultures.
“Art is a universal language of souls. It allows direct communication, bypassing words and borders, and helps people from different countries feel each other and understand the world through emotions and images.”
Looking toward the future remains complicated for any Ukrainian, given the impossibility of making long-term plans during wartime.
“Sometimes the path opens gradually when you take certain steps, and these small steps often lead to something greater than we can imagine.”
Artistic Philosophy
Her artistic statement reveals the philosophical depth underlying her visual work: exploring memory as roots, ancestral memory, and something that extends beyond the linear span of human life. Through her art, she investigates ideas of belonging, kinship, and essence, reflecting on how these layers of memory shape identity.
Working primarily with pastel, she creates meanings that go far beyond words, encouraging viewers to feel their own hidden memories, joy, and sometimes the feeling of something familiar yet lost.
One of Olesia’s artworks
Wisdom for Survival and Growth
When asked to summarize her experience—how one can not just survive but flourish after losing everything familiar—Olesia offers practical wisdom:
“Do what you can today, and your life will flourish where you’re meant to be.”
Olesia Miftahova
In less than a year, Olesia has moved from being a displaced person seeking safety for her children to an artist whose work is shown internationally. Her paintings at Caerphilly Library serve as a reminder of how community support and personal determination can create new opportunities, even in the most challenging circumstances.
Current Exhibition
The opening of “Garden of Memories: Growing Beyond,” an art exhibition by Olesia Miftahova, took place on September 19th, 2025.
The exhibition, which will run until October 31st, took place during the Ukrainian Gratitude Celebration at Ty Penallta in Caerphilly County, Wales.
Olesia invites everyone to visit her new exhibition: Exhibition Details
Photos by Dariia Zhdanova and from the archive of Olesia Miftahova
By Viktor Moroz for Ukrainians.Wales
