The Hopescapes of Ukraine: a series of embroideries auctioned to support Ukraine
After the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, I made the difficult decision to resettle in Canada. Shortly after this move, I began creating The Hopescapes of Ukraine—a series of embroidered volumetric landscapes reflecting the profound impact of the war on my homeland. This body of work emerged from a need to channel my grief into a constructive expression. Punching, stitching, and embroidering became a meditative practice, allowing me to process the turmoil of displacement, destruction, and loss.
The Hopescapes of Ukraine presents a unique perspective of my war-torn homeland through intricate embroidery. These artworks highlight the beauty of regions affected by the war, emphasizing their resilience and picturesque landscapes. The project is dedicated to a charitable cause, with all pieces being sold or auctioned, and the proceeds going towards various needs in Ukraine. The Hopescapes of Ukraine conveys a message of strength and resilience, showcasing enduring beauty amidst adversity.
Snake Island, Ukraine, 2022 / 20 x 20 cm
The first embroidery in the series depicts Snake Island, a small but strategically important landmass in the Black Sea. It played a significant role in the early stages of a full-scale russian invasion. Snake Island was the site of a well-known defiant stand by Ukrainian defenders against a russian warship, an incident that helped to garner global support for Ukraine. This Snake Island embroidery was auctioned to support the Ukrainian 79th Air Assault Brigade and the 25th Separate Rifle Battalion.
Bakhmutka River in the winter, Ukraine, 2023 / 20 x 20 cm
The second embroidery in the series is of the Bakhmutka River in Bakhmut. In the winter of 2023, Bakhmut emerged as a strategically and symbolically significant location in the war. The fierce resistance by Ukrainian defenders in Bakhmut demonstrated their resolve and fortitude but also served as a testament to the broader struggle for control in eastern Ukraine. The battle for Bakhmut was marked by harsh winter conditions and relentless fighting, leaving the city destroyed. Bakhmutka River in the Winter was sold to support snipers from the 67th and 112th Brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and the Freedom Legion of the National Guard of Ukraine.
Bridge Across the Siverskyi Donets River, Ukraine, 2023 / 12 x 12 cm
The next embroidery in the series is of the river Siverskyi Donents. During the war, bridges across this river have been destroyed highlighting the river's role as a vital geographic barrier. russian forces made numerous attempts to cross this river which were repeatedly thwarted by the Defense Forces of Ukraine. This embroidery was auctioned by the Link to Ukraine Foundation at the KUMF Gallery in Toronto to support the 72nd Separate Mechanized Brigade, the 82nd Separate Air Assault Brigade, and the 122nd Separate Territorial Defense Brigade of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Yahorlyk Bay, Ukraine, 2024 / 12 x 12 cm
The next embroidery in the series depicts Yahorlyk Bay, located between Kherson and Mykolayiv Oblasts in the South. This embroidery showcases a portion of Ukraine's Black Sea coast, which has been strategically important throughout the war. Portions of the Yahorlyk Bay coast were occupied by russian aggressors in the early phase of a full-scale invasion. These ecologically important areas, protected by the Ramsar Convention, have been ecologically damaged by russian forces and are no longer accessible to Ukrainians due to their aggressor’s military presence.
By illustrating these poignant landscapes, my Hopescapes of Ukraine aims to bring awareness to the ongoing conflict while celebrating the natural beauty and resilience of Ukraine.
