Ukraine Mosaics destroyed in war brought back to life in London exhibition

Generosity Amid Devastation

The war in Ukraine has deeply affected the world. In the UK, many have shown remarkable generosity, opening their homes to Ukrainian refugees and donating to support those impacted by the conflict.

Preserving Ukraine’s Cultural Heritage

The ongoing war has led to the destruction of numerous buildings and artworks. This includes mosaic artworks that hold cultural significance. To preserve these treasures, a special exhibition was hosted at the Old Royal Naval College in London.

‘Discover Ukraine: Bits Destroyed’

This audio-visual exhibition, part of the Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, showcased 56 Ukrainian mosaics. Created between the 1960s and 1980s, these mosaics reflect themes of Ukraine’s history and culture during the Soviet period.

The exhibition, commissioned by the British Council and the Ukrainian Institute, also included the sounds of war, symbolizing the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict – Ukraine Mosaics destroyed

Featured Mosaics

The exhibit highlighted iconic mosaics such as *Boryviter* (Kestrel) and the *Tree of Life*. These works, created by the late Ukrainian artist Alla Horska in 1967, were tragically destroyed during the Russian shelling of Mariupol in July this year.

Boryviter Mosaic Ukraine — Boryviter Mosaic in Mariupol before and after the Russian shelling. Credit: Yevgen Nikiforov – Ukraine Mosaics destroyed

Keeping Heritage Alive

Tetyana Filevska, creative director of the Ukrainian Institute, emphasized the importance of the project. “This project allows us to learn about Ukraine’s art that is being demolished by Russian bombs every day. It is a way to keep at least a memory of it as part of Ukraine’s rich heritage,” she stated.

Art That Tells Stories

Ukrainian mosaics are more than art; they tell the stories of the past and present. This exhibit not only celebrates the beauty of these artworks but also honors the resilience of the Ukrainian people. It is a poignant reminder of their determination to preserve their culture despite adversity.

Learn More

If you’re interested in mosaic art, don’t miss this article: Incredible UK Mosaic Tile Art You Need To See.