Ambassador launches Ukrainian art exhibition in Letterkenny

The Ukrainian Ambassador to Ireland, Larysa Gerasko, was in Letterkenny on Friday for the launch of a new art exhibition at An Grianan Theatre.

'Ireland Through The Eyes Of Ukrainian Artists' will run until the end of June and was officially opened by Ms Gerasko and the Mayor of Letterkenny, Councillor Donal 'Mandy' Kelly.

Over 20 artists, all of whom are from Ukraine and now living in Ireland, have contributed to the exhibition with all of the works, which are displayed in the foyer of the theatre, on sale to the public.

'The works reflect the creative process of the painters who are adjusting and acclimatising to life in Ireland against the backdrop of war and displacement', a description of the exhibition says.

“This exhibition is a way that Ukrainian artists want to speak to Irish people through their work, about the effect that Ireland has on them, and how they are adjusting here and how they are inspired and encouraged to express themselves through painting,” Councillor Kelly told Donegal Live.
“I think its great that these people are afforded this opportunity as it is there way of helping important children's programmes for them back home but it's also there way of thanking the people of Letterkenny through the arts.

“We can't imagine what these people are going through some have lost their homes and some have lost their families; it's awful.

“The people of Ukraine who are here in Letterkenny have used their time here to help out community groups such as Tidy Towns, Intercultural Platform and different groupings and I want to take the opportunity as Mayor to thank them for that.

“I'd ask people if they have time or are passing An Grainan Theatre to pop in an look at some of the fantastic paintings on display, It really is something else.”

Exhibition curator Svitlana Babenko said: “Ukrainian artists want to speak to Irish people through their work, about the effect that Ireland has on them, and how they are adjusting here and how they are inspired and encouraged to express themselves through painting."

The exhibition runs until 30th of June and is supported by Donegal Intercultural Platform, Ukrainian Community Support in Letterkenny, the Arts office of Donegal County Council and An Grianán Theatre.