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Future of Ukraine

MaLonNY. Lviv: International Street Art Project Spreads Love, Unity, and Hope in Ukraine

MaLonNY. Lviv: International Street Art Project Spreads Love, Unity, and Hope in Ukraine

From June 30 to July 1, Lviv hosted the international street art project, “MaLonNY. Lviv, featuring seven artists from four countries: Ray Bartkus (Lithuania-USA), Ieva Voroneckytė (Lithuania), Judy Tuwaletstiwa (USA), Jeff Woodbury (USA), Philip Grisewood (UK), Iryna Vodolazhchenko (Ukraine), and Mariia Shcherbak (Ukraine). They were assisted by volunteer art students from Lviv art schools, painting a mural on a building in a children’s playground at 12 Chernomorska Street.

Art as Resistance and Healing

“The war in Ukraine has unfortunately become a daily reality for Ukrainians and the world. We need to resist this everyday reality in every possible way. Art has the power to change consciousness, the environment, and everyday life. We came to Ukraine full of love and left proof of it in Lviv, taking twice as much love back with us. I hope it will grow stronger both in us and in Ukraine,” says Ray Bartkus, the project’s curator.

Unique and Transformative Experience

Although it was challenging to find artists willing to travel to Ukraine initially, by the end of the project, the artists were grateful for the unique opportunity, the experience, and the people they met.

“Although the project seemed daunting at the beginning, I couldn’t turn it down,” said Jeff Woodbury, an artist from the USA. “Working with artists from Lithuania, the USA, the UK, and Ukraine fed my creative soul. Meeting so many young Ukrainian volunteers fed my heart and gave me hope for the future. Lviv is a wonderful city, and I admire the strength of its people and culture. I hope that what we have created will leave behind a sense of solidarity and joy.”

“We have created murals that sing a song of hope,” said American artist Judy Tuwaletstiwa. “While I was here, I heard stories and saw pictures of the wounded and the maimed, stories that made my heart squeeze. I also saw the concern of those who want to help heal the physically and emotionally wounded through art. I hope our murals are part of that healing, given from our hearts and hands with love.”

Connection and Positivity

The artists felt a special connection with the playground where the mural was painted and with the volunteers who assisted them. “We painted in the playground, and I immediately felt how the environment influences mood, emotions, and communication. It is so good that we will create here!” said Lithuanian artist Ieva Voroneckytė. “As an artist, I feel that I cannot directly help Ukrainians on the battlefield, but with creativity, colorus, positive energy, and respect for traditions, I can help create a positive local energy for the children and families of the fighters. I heard from the volunteers that they felt relaxed and happy to help us create, able to escape their daily worries and stresses for a while. It seemed like we were doing art therapy for ourselves and the city dwellers, who could, at least for a short time, focus on positivity, and for the young children playing around and subconsciously absorbing their environment.”

British artist Philip Grisewood echoed Ieva’s sentiments: “The most rewarding part of the Lviv mural project was the contacts and friendships I made with local volunteers. The storytelling, jokes, and sharing of cultures helped everyone forget life’s problems. Interacting with local and international artists built a bridge between cultures and created an uplifting mood for Ukrainian artists experiencing war. Painting bright colorus and shapes on a wall in the heart of Lviv brought positive energy to the playgrounds and sports grounds, creating a happy environment for the local community, families, and passers-by.”

Looking Forward

“I am very happy that everything went well, without major glitches, missiles, or drones. The rain was a bit of a problem, but it was a small thing compared to what everyone gained from the project. I hope this project will become an annual event and perhaps spread to other Ukrainian cities. The artists who participated have already expressed their willingness to return next year,” said Tomas Ivanauskas, Lithuanian Cultural Attaché to Ukraine.

Organizers and Supporters

The project was initiated and organized by the Lithuanian Cultural Attaché in Ukraine and MaLonNY curator, artist Ray Bartkus. It was organized in cooperation with the Lithuanian Cultural Institute, the Embassy of the Republic of Lithuania in Ukraine, the Honorary Consulate of Lithuania in Lviv, and the Lviv Municipality’s Culture Department.

This street art project is not just a visual transformation but a heartfelt message of solidarity and hope for Ukraine, demonstrating the profound impact art can have in times of crisis.

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