Anna Mykhalchuk’s new exhibition 'The Dance of Colours' at Moonah Arts Centre
Her home under siege, Anna Mykhalchuk was forced to flee Ukraine, finding safety in Tasmania. Two years on, she’s poured her heart into 'The Dance of Colours', sharing the vivid colours and symbolism of her homeland.
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“It’s hard when you can’t see hope or stability,” Ukrainian artist Anna Mykhalchuk says.
Two years since she and her family were forced to flee their home, she says positivity has become an essential mindset.
A new community and new connections in Tasmania has helped her muster the hope and positivity she says is needed to create Samchykivka, a type of Ukrainian folk art.
“Creating in this style, you need to be in a positive mood,” she said.
“I feel this style has many many secrets and one of the secrets is being positive and optimistic.
“I can feel support and understanding and kindness around me and that helps me to be more optimistic.”
On the walls of a gallery at Moonah Arts Centre, every swirl, every line, every symbol made with the stroke of her brush is imbued with meaning.
Ms Mykhalchuk says in the distinctive style across her 46 artworks, there are many stories told without words.
“You can see, you can feel, you can enjoy these colours,” she said.
“I’m in love with the style, I see many many meanings and symbols of this style and it’s my connection with my country but also it’s my way to represent my country and to be focusing on beauty.
“History of the style starts from the end of the 19th century, when people from little villages were very close, they tried to describe their connections to nature.”
She said there was meaning in symbolism.
“Ukrainian culture has many symbols … one of the most recognisable symbol is a pysanky or egg, because egg symbolises the beginning of life, beginning of everything,” Ms Mykhalchuk said.
“Another symbol is birds, birds in our culture has many symbols if the birds look at each other it means love, if they look separated, be careful.
“Also trees, flowers, every flower has a different meaning, it depends on colour and shape of flower.”
‘Dance of the Colour’ is the first Samchykivka exhibition in Australia.
“This is amazing opportunity to show people beauty of Ukrainian art and Ukrainian culture,’ she said.
‘[To create this] It was a dream.”
She hoped to share the style with Tasmanians and that the art would give Ukranian Tasmanians a sense of home and familiarity.
“I have support from the Ukrainian community,” she said.
“If you compare with big cities like Sydney and Melbourne we have not got a very big community, but we’re very united.”
Originally published as Anna Mykhalchuk’s new exhibition 'The Dance of Colours' at Moonah Arts Centre
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