Valentyna Mishchenko Solace © the artist

Nataliia Fialko Liberated Seas © the artist

After fleeing the devastation of war in their homeland, a group of Ukrainian refugees resettling in Orkney embarked on a creative journey of healing and self-expression. Over the past year, regular art sessions have provided not only an outlet for creativity but also a space to process trauma, find connection, and rebuild a sense of belonging.

This exhibition brings together art and personal stories, reflecting moments of resilience and growth amidst adversity. Each artwork and written piece mark a significant milestone – whether it evokes the courage of picking up a paintbrush for the first time, speaking a new language, or reconnecting with a formerly distant sense of home. Other pieces reflect on grief, memories of a lost life, and the quiet victories of making a new home in an unfamiliar place.

Oksana Barabash

Nataliia Fialko

Alina Filatova

Valentyna Mishchenko

Nataliia Panova

Alona Petliarska

Svitlana Sharko

Svitlana Valentiienko

This exhibition is part of Refugee Festival Scotland 2025 13-22 June