Art in Ukraine: Finding Beauty in Hardship

During periods of hardship, it is not uncommon to focus on survival. Whether one is  literally or figuratively, activities outside of fulfilling basic needs may seem unnecessary, even indulgent, while  navigating life-changing hurdles. Therefore, it is easy to believe that participating in the creation and viewership of art is something only plausible during times of prosperity. In reality, participating in the arts can be just as crucial to humanity in times of hardship as it is in times of ease. 

The recent conflict between Russia and Ukraine has fatally affected the people of Ukraine for more than two years, placing immense strain on their lives and, undoubtedly, reshaping their day-to-day practices. Many lives dangle on the thin line between danger and death. Despite how easy it may be for one to fall into despair when confronted with the experiences many Ukrainians are facing, artists from Ukraine are keeping tradition and community alive through their creation of art, demonstrating how art helps artists, and those around them, thrive in dark times. 

Weapons of war are ugly. Designed, almost exclusively, to harm people, they are beasts with no soul. Ukrainian artist Varvara Lohvin used her classic painting techniques to transform one anti-tank structure, the Czech hedgehog, into an artistic and meaningful piece in central Kyiv. Lohvin specializes in the modern Petrykivka art style, a novel version of the old decorative Ukrainian painting style used to enhance common household items while embodying themes of unity and nature. The Petrykivka style has many important symbols and is typically characterized by complex patterns and arrangements of nature and animals, portrayed in vibrant colors. With her proficiency in the modern Petrykivka style, Lohvin transformed the drab Czech hedgehog with plants and bright pops of red, creating a piece both beautiful and culturally significant. 

Art comes in many forms, and dance is one of them. Another way Ukrainians are using art during this trying time is through ballet and folk dancing. Ballet, a style famous for its formulaic and delicate choreography, is known by many. Ukrainian folk dancing is less common but easily recognizable through their practice of circular group dancing and traditional costume. The National Ballet of Ukraine has merged these two styles into a unique dance tour, coming to the United States in late 2024. The tour features dancers from Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, in the name of both sharing Ukrainian dance talent and raising proceeds for Ukrainian families, through the performance of multiple dance numbers, with styles ranging from fun and upbeat to emotional. 

The hardship these artists experience is immeasurable. Not only are they trying to survive, but they are also trying to create. Perhaps creating does not hinder their energy to survive but instead helps them, and the rest of their region, to persevere. Through their tireless work, Ukrainian artists are fighting for their country by bringing bright culture into the bleak and arduous world to keep their communities connected in a way only art can manage.