Ukrainian artists nationally debut work at gallery

Roman Nedopaka, Alla Chakir and Oleksandra Davydenko are artists that came to North Wales three months ago to escape the war in their home country. 

Through the homes for Ukraine scheme they have been welcomed into a home in Nefyn on the Llyn Peninusla. 

The artists currently have over 10 works on display at the 2022 Summer Exhibition at Oriel Glasfryn Gallery which is based in Caerwys.

Describing their experience Roman said: "They treat us like relatives and in general the people in Wales are so supportive.

"When we arrived here we saw in every home there were Ukranian flags all over Wales.

"It's a big honour for us to be amongst such great people."

Mother and son Alla Chakir and Roman Nedopaka along with Romans' partner Oleksandra Davydenko, were living in Kyiv when the war broke out. 

Golden Pairs by Roman Nedopaka

Mr Nedopaka said: "On February the 24th our world turned upside down and it will never be the same.

"We got up with this news and in my home and every home in Ukraine in all the messages it was just 'are you safe', 'are you okay', 'where are you', 'is your family safe'.

"It was like a horror, it was a disaster, a complete disaster."

Many members of Romans' family currently remain in Ukraine including Romans' father, sister, brother and grandmother. 

Alla and Roman come from a large family of artists and have worked professionally as artists for their entire lives. 

Alla graduated from the Odessa Institute and has taken part in many exhibitions both in Ukraine and abroad. 

Since 2000 she has been a member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine. 

She said: "Painting is interesting because its possibilities are endless. Painting pictures is a rest and labour of the soul."

Quietness by Alla Chakir

When arriving in Wales on May 5, the three artists had no supplies, having had to leave behind their art and utensils in their studios in Ukraine. 

However, their sponsor at their home in Nefyn sought the help of the community and put out a plea for art material on local facebook community pages. 

Roman said: "People from the community came and shared their materials immediately with us.

"It was like a quest, we went to the mountains, to the farms.... it was amazing."

Members of the community shared various arts supplies from oils, canvases, paintbrushes, paint to even a loom. 

Gwynt Y Mor by Roman Nedopaka

The work on display at the gallery is deeply inspired by the Welsh countryside. 

One of Romans' paintings depicts the view from their house of the mountain Gwynt Y Mor.

Much of Allas' work currently on display at the Oriel Glasfryn Gallery is symbolic about her feelings surrounding the war in Ukraine and her arrival to Wales. 

One painting, House Keys, contains images of keys in the sky.  

House Keys Alla Chakir

The description for this painting reads: "This one is about the war, about the homes lost forever. 

"But people kept the keys to their homes.

"And one day they will definitely return and rebuild."

Discussing the preparation for displaying work at the art gallery Roman said: "When we started painting it was like a relief for us because we switched our minds to the breathtaking views and nature."

The artists are currently preparing to hold another exhibition at Plas Glyn-y-Weddw arts centre, based in Llanbredrog starting on October 9 until December 24. 

The exhibition will be called 'Birds and Cages' to symbolise freedom and part of the money from the exhibition will go towards supporting the Ukrainian army. 

The artists expressed their gratitude to their local community as well as Wales in general. 

As well as enjoying the Welsh countryside they have been learning parts of the Welsh language and listening to Welsh folk music. 

Although they are staying busy with painting and embracing Welsh culture they said: "We are really hoping from our hearts that we will return to our home and Ukraine will win."