Making Art to Uplift Voices
Ukrainian artist, Lyubov Panchenko and more
Dear Friend,
The moment I stumbled upon Lyubov Panchenko’s artwork I fell in love. Her celebration of Ukrainian culture moved me. Throughout her life, there were many who tried to silence her from her parents who did not want her to be an artist to the Soviet Union which censored Ukrainian art for years. It was not until the 60’s when the Soviet Union pulled back ever so slightly and allowed some voices to be heard that her folk ark collages were given a greater voice. She was an artist and activist who preserved Ukrainian culture until sadly, at the age of 84 , her life came to an end in her hometown of Bucha when the Russians invaded Ukraine in 2022.
I’ve been thinking about Lyubov and a woman named Tamara that I know in Ukraine who has been working tirelessly to help others. When the war first broke out, she was not only feeding people, Tamara was bringing books that she had written to children in shelters, children - who much like their families - had nothing.
These women - like so many in our world - have continued to create art even when their voices were being silenced. Whether it is not allowing art to be shared and stories to be told or simply talking over one another, I cannot tolerate people being censored and silenced. When I see it happening, all I can think to do is create because creation feels like a revolutionary act. Art elevates voices, brings ideas to the table that can be debated, shared, brought to life. Creating art allows us to slow down and bring shape to the chaos in our minds and hearts. It invites us to explore new perspectives, open our minds and if we let it, art can even bring us together.
All I can think is that there has never been a time when art been more needed. So look to this space. It will grow shortly. There will be more invitations to create together and assure that voices are heard because what we need right now is a reminder of the beauty that exists in our shared humanity.
With love,
Natasha
I went to an art museum with my son recently and we talked about how destroying art is a way to erase a people and their culture. Thank you for bringing Panchenko’s important work to a larger audience. Art is an important way of fighting back against all of the evil going on right now in this world. I’m writing my anger into a novel right now and it really helps.