we stand in solidarity

Over the past week, the world has reacted to the invasion of Ukraine by Russia in a variety of ways. Countries are showing their solidarity and support by sanctioning Russia in ways we all hope will add up to tip the scales against their invasion. 

25 works by Maria Pryimachenko were burnt in Ivankiv near Kyiv

Many are posting Ukrainian art instead of retaliating against Russia since we are against Putin and his actions, not Russia and its people. Under Putin we have no doubt that the nation and its people are as much under the yoke of his oppression too. 

"Sunflowers" by Mykola Nedilko

wonder | wander | women take this opportunity to exalt Ukraine, its valiant people, and their beautiful art. 

Check out the Internet Encyclopedia of Ukraine [IEU] - the most comprehensive work in the English language on Ukraine, its history, people, geography, economy, and cultural heritage.

This site was created and is updated/maintained by a team of scholars and editors from the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS) (University of Alberta/University of Toronto). Hundreds of specialists from around the world have contributed and continue to contribute to the Encyclopedia.

kokum scarf art by Mista Wasis

Their featured topic on Ukranian art and architecture covers frescoes, mosaics, icons, portraits, landscapes, sculptures, paintings, printmaking, engraving, monuments, buildings, periods, artists - classical, non-conformist, and modern. 

Ukranian 'primitive' or 'naive' art emerged in fine art during the late 19th-century. These terms were initially used to describe 'outsider art' created by artists without a formal training or degree.

street art walls for Ukraine 

Although now there are academies for primitive (naive) art and this art genre is fully recognized, we still most often associate it with the work of untrained artists and relate it to modern-day folk art.

Primitive or naive paintings or sculptures do not conform to the formal principles of academic art, such as, for example, the three rules of perspective developed during the Renaissance.

"Support" by Olga Shtonda

Naive art is characterized by a refreshing, somewhat awkward innocence, the charming use of bright colors, child-like perspective, and idiosyncratic scale. It portrays simple, easily understandable and often idealized scenes of everyday life.

So much like the indomitable spirit of the exhibited in Ukraine this past week. Against all odds, our social media feeds are flooded with astounding and heartwarming images of Ukraine under attack from Russia and how people are coping on the ground - in life and death.

art inspired by Ukranian bravery - Yuumei

If ever there was cause to bring an end to war, this would be it. Peace on earth and goodwill to humankind is what we all pray for - now more fervently than ever.