The Ukrainian folk arist Mariia Prymachenko (1908-1997) naturally respected Mother Earth. She was a champion of peace (see blogpost 17 March 2022) and enjoyed to share the harvest of the fertile soil of the Ukraine with the rest of the world. She entitled one of her art work as follows: May I give this Ukrainian bread to all people in this big wide world (see below).
For contemporary Ukrainian artist and art educator at SCAD (US), Yev Haidamaka, the enchanting sunflower fields around her childhood in Central Ukraine continue to be A Place I’d Rather Be. Her illustration work is whimsical and nostalgic, and like compatriot Prymachenko’s work testifies of an ability to marvel at the beauty of nature. She intentially focuses on the ostensible ordinary.
We can indeed share harvests, feed the hungry, save lives, stop the suffering of peoples. Build peace as brothers and sisters through art and mutual understanding. Why not provide farmers with high prices for export of wheat, maize and sunflower oil and find ways for them to distribute easily wherever it is needed worldwide?
Since February 24th whole cities and over 150 cultural sites (a.o. churches, museums, libraries) have been partially or totally destroyed in the Ukraine. There are more than 10.000 reported deaths according to the BBC. Numerous women and children had to flee whilst husbands and fathers were forced to stay behind and fight. When does this nightmare end?
Meanwhile thirty women artists in exile are supported by Unesco, some found new jobs, whilst their works of art can be purchased online also (see e.g. http://artforukraine.world and www.saatchiart.com). Hopefully, all those eager to visit their spouses, family and friends in their homelands can do so soon. And live in peace!
