Nonna Davydenko
A unique exhibition currently running in Ferryside brings together Ukrainian artists from two distinct waves of migration to Wales — those fleeing the current war and descendants of families who sought refuge during World War II. The show at Greenspace Gallery demonstrates how art transcends time, connecting generations through shared heritage and resilience.
A Living Bridge Between Past and Present
The exhibition features works by sixteen talented artists, including recent refugees and long-established Welsh residents of Ukrainian descent. Among the participants are:
- Natalie Bilyk
- Roman Bonchuk
- Nonna Davydenko
- Pavlo Gulevaty
- Svitlana Kozmin
- Tania Kudria
- Nina Lachyna-Thomas
- Yanina Lebid
- Svetlana Lilley
- Olesia Miftahova
- Dorothy Morris
- Olena Ponomarenko
- Tetiana Rud
- Olena Voronenko
- Nataliia Zabolotska
- Peter Zelenczuk
An Opening Night of Cultural Unity
At the opening, I felt as though we had built a living bridge — one that links different life paths, generations, and cultures through creativity. The evening featured:
- Enchanting melodies from a Welsh harp
- Traditional Ukrainian cuisine
- Heartfelt speeches from gallery owner Dorothy Morris and Member of Parliament Nia Griffith
A particularly moving moment came when artist Olesia Miftahova performed her own poetry in Ukrainian, adding emotional depth and authenticity to the proceedings. The atmosphere was described as one of genuine community, where personal and universal experiences merged seamlessly.
A Personal Mission Born from Family History
From Dorothy Morris (Dehtiar), Gallery Owner and Artist
When the horrors of war unfolded on our TV screens three years ago with Russia’s unprovoked attack on Ukraine, I was stunned.
Memories of my Ukrainian father, Victor Dehtiar (who died 25 years ago), came flooding back. I thought of the horrors he faced under Stalinism and his eventual escape to the UK — a story he recorded in his unpublished memoir.
While studying for my M.A. in 2000, when my father was still alive though very ill, I created a body of work exploring my heritage and links to Ukraine as part of the Art and Identity module. Now, everything I researched and my father’s story have become deeply relevant.
At first, I organised workshops and fundraising events for medical aid to Ukraine, but I increasingly felt the need to do more. I met Svitlana Kozmin, a talented artist who has lived in Wales for over 20 years and was also deeply affected by the war.
That’s when the idea came to invite Ukrainian artists — both recent arrivals and long-time residents — to exhibit with me in support of Ukraine. As the owner of Greenspace Gallery in Ferryside, I had the perfect venue.
I was overwhelmed by the response, especially when so many gifted Ukrainian artists joined us.
A Symbolic Connection
It’s symbolic that a painting of a melon my father created was what identified him after 32 years of separation from his family. The Iron Curtain had made it impossible for him to return — he would have been arrested and jailed. Only after it fell was he able to go back.
I cannot imagine the sorrow my father carried all those years apart from his loved ones.
Now, after meeting these Ukrainian refugees, I realise the anguish they too are suffering. Yet I see how warm, brave, courageous, and determined they are — just like my dad and the Ukrainian nation, which I’m proud to be part of.
My deepest wish now is to turn this show into a travelling exhibition, bringing Ukrainian culture and stories to wider audiences through the universal language of art.
Long live Ukraine. Slava Ukraini!
Art as Healing and Hope
This exhibition is more than a cultural display — it’s a testament to art’s power to transform pain into beauty and isolation into community. The sunflowers featured on promotional materials symbolise the Ukrainian spirit’s determination to reach toward light even in the darkest times.
I often think that each piece is about more than just the artist’s skill — it’s a reflection of the unbreakable Ukrainian spirit that continues to create and inspire, even thousands of miles from home.
Supporting Ukraine Through Art
The exhibition demonstrates community solidarity in action, with 20% of all sales donated to medical aid for Ukraine. This charitable aspect transforms each purchase into a direct contribution to humanitarian efforts.
Dorothy Morris hopes to develop the exhibition into a travelling show, bringing Ukrainian culture and stories to wider audiences through the universal language of art.
Exhibition Details
Location: Greenspace Gallery, Carmarthen Rd, Ferryside SA17 5TE
Dates: 2 August – 27 September 2025
Opening Hours: Wednesday to Saturday, 11am – 4pm
Charitable Purpose: 20% of sales support medical aid for Ukraine
By Nonna Davydenko, exhibition participant and art manager
