A UKRAINIAN artist who managed a gallery in Kyiv before she was forced to flee the war-torn country has launched a powerful exhibition of work created during the Russian invasion.
Alexandra Churakova – who left Ukraine with her boyfriend and is now living with a family in Rugby – and her fellow artists are showing ‘Ukraine Our Home’ at Coventry’s LTB Showrooms.
The collection features 44 pieces from 14 different artists.
Alexandra said: “Leaving my country and my home was very unexpected for me and I was left heartbroken as I had to leave many of the things and people that I love.
“Everyone in England knows the situation in Ukraine and everyone wants to help, this has made it easier for me to settle here.”
She was encouraged to speak to people at the showrooms about her ideas and was given the green light to create an exhibition.
There are many powerful pieces in the exhibition. Picture by Jamie Gray Photography.
Alexandra then began searching on social media for artists and pieces which could be a part of the exhibition.
“I want to share Ukrainian culture no matter where I am in the world.
“I wanted to share how Ukrainian people actually feel through the work, and to make people think about what is important.
“The work in this collection is very powerful and each piece of art brings its own personality.”
Alexandra revealed people had been very moved by the artwork, adding some people cried upon seeing it.
The work will be at the showrooms until July 24, and people can donate money at the exhibition that will go towards supporting the people of Ukraine.
The artwork will be on sale with the proceeds being split between Ukrainian causes and the artists to help them – either with their new lives in the UK or, for those who have stayed, in their homeland.
Alexandra will be volunteering at the exhibition from July 14 as she said she wants to represent Ukraine by talking to local people and answering their questions.
