Ukrainian artist given sanctuary in Clare to hold exhibition

AN internationally renowned Ukrainian artist who fled the war in his country this year and found refuge in Clare is holding an exhibition in Ennistymon from this Friday.

The exhibition of Yevhen Svitlychnyi’s work entitled ‘The Burren – Ukrainian Chronicles Part II’ will be opened by the Ukrainian ambassador to Ireland Gerasko Larysa.

Earlier work on this theme was displayed at the Burren College of Art in July this year.

Mr Svitlychnyi said, “As a result of the war, like so many of my compatriots I was forced to flee Ukraine, and by the fortunate intervention of my friends I arrived in Ireland, into the warm and welcoming embrace of Ireland and its people.

“I travelled to Ballyvaughan, in this magical place that is The Burren, and was introduced to the wonderful people at the Burren College of Art who have been so welcoming, generous and supportive of my work.”

The first part of the exhibition The Burren – Ukrainian Chronicles: 2022 was created and took place at Burren College of Art during the summer.

“Our collaboration continues as well as the creation of the artistic chronicles of the war,” said Yevhen.

Thanks to the invitation of the Courthouse gallery, he has the opportunity to present the next part of the cycle The Burren – Ukrainian chronicles Part II.

“Throughout Ukraine – in Kyiv, in my beloved city of Kharkiv and everywhere else – the bombing is merciless and relentless,” said Yevhen.

“The courage, fearlessness and resilience of the Ukrainian people defending their country, as well as the horrors of the bloody, brutal, senseless war is being documented every day. It is just bare facts for now.

“Our victory will create a Ukrainian myth – a heroic, tragic, modern myth based on those facts.

“In Ukrainian, painting is called “obrazotvorche mystetstvo”, literally the art of creating images.

“In the works presented in this exhibition, the images of the unspeakable tragedy of the war are created through the prism of thousands years of biblical history, and culture: war – death – life – image – myth.

“The mystery of the origin of these images lies in specific events being repeated over and over again, forming a myth, becoming a product which reveals its essence, its mysterious meanings.

“Everything that I have felt and absorbed since I arrived in Ireland, I have captured in these images, and with their visible and hidden meanings, viewers will create their own secret, their own myth.”

Matthew Mitchell, chairman of the Board of Directors at the Courthouse Gallery and Studios, said, “We are delighted to host an exhibition of work by Yevhen.

“Since his arrival in North Clare, the Burren College of Art, and its staff have very kindly supported him by giving him access to a studio – a safe place from which he has been able to continue his artistic practice.

Mr Mitchell continued, “He exhibited The Burren – Ukrainian Chronicles Part I at the College earlier this year, and we at the Courthouse Gallery are delighted to show Part II of this body of work.

“The exhibition will be opened by Gerasko Larysa, the Ukrainian Ambassador, on the invitation of Senator Martin Conway.”

The preview takes place between 6 and 9pm this Friday, December 9, and the exhibition runs from December 10 to January 7.