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