A Ukrainian artist living in Donegal has created a powerful exhibit which will be on display in Letterkenny for the next month.
Ukrainian artist Hanna Pidkaliuk captured the resilience and hope her people are using during times of conflict.
Artist Hanna Pidkaliuk speaking at the launch of her exhibition in the Regional Cultural Centre. (North West Newspix)
Supported by Creative Ireland, the exhibition is an Artist-Mentor partnership initiative between the Donegal Arts Service and the Regional Cultural Centre, highlighting the creative talents of artists from diverse backgrounds.
Hanna was mentored by the celebrated Donegal-based textile artist Deborah Stockdale.
Her art captures the raw emotions of her experiences, particularly the harrowing journey of her family’s escape from the conflict in Ukraine.
The work takes viewers inside a journey that included ten days spent in a makeshift bomb shelter, portraying both the anguish and the resilience of those displaced by war.
A central inspiration for her work is her grandmother’s haunting words: “Everything can happen in our lives, as long as it’s not war.”
The Creative Ireland programme promotes cultural engagement and inclusivity. It has made work like this exhibition possible, celebrating diversity and amplifying the voices of emerging artists like Hanna.
This work serves as a profound reminder of the power of art to transcend boundaries and connect communities bringing her story of survival and strength to the forefront of Donegal’s cultural landscape.
This exhibition offers an inspiring experience for all who attend, honouring the indomitable spirit of an artist who has transformed personal hardship into universal expressions of hope.
The exhibition was launched by Cathaoirleach Cllr Niamh Kennedy and continues until Saturday, 21 December 2024.
