Occasion organizer Kate Voinova (left) and artist Iana Nikutina pose subsequent to Nikutina’s artwork on the “Many Faces, One Power” exhibit in Leander, Texas, on March 22.
Patrick Davis
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Patrick Davis
LEANDER, Texas — For one afternoon on this suburb of Austin, an 1860s farmhouse was reworked right into a Ukrainian cultural middle. Distributors bought Ukrainian artwork and conventional clothes whereas performers sang Ukrainian pop music. A bake sale featured home made varenyky, a dumpling much like the Polish pierogi.
The principle attraction on the “Many Faces, One Power” exhibit was artist Iana Nikutina’s assortment of 77 work of Ukrainian and American ladies from Central Texas. Nikutina mentioned the brightly coloured pop artwork portraits spotlight the methods ladies assist Ukrainians.
“A variety of ladies train kids, some volunteer in several organizations, some assist the Ukrainian military,” Nikutina mentioned. “And I needed to understand these ladies for his or her work.”
America is residence to greater than 1 million individuals of Ukrainian ancestry, in line with the U.S. Census’ most up-to-date information.
As Russia’s battle in Ukraine passes the three-year mark, some work to reinvigorate public consciousness with occasions just like the “Many Faces, One Power” exhibit.
Others contribute to the virtually $4 billion Ukraine receives in yearly remittances. Some really feel unsure about President Trump’s strategy to the Ukraine–Russia battle and say they should assist their homeland now greater than ever.
Composer and pianist Alex Syedin carried out on the exhibit, his method to assist his buddies and family members again in Ukraine.
“What can we do as artists?” Syedin requested. “I made a decision to create a solo piano album about what is going on on in Ukraine and it is referred to as Out of Homeland.”
With out utilizing a single phrase, Out of Homeland conveys the vary of feelings Syedin feels concerning the battle. The track “Far From Residence” opens with a somber, reflective tone earlier than constructing to a hopeful crescendo.
The album ends with “Battle for the Future,” which options dramatic arpeggios dancing round a bassy chord development — evoking cries for peace ringing out over footsteps of a protest march.
Syedin got here to the U.S. as a refugee in 2022, because of a Biden-era Uniting for Ukraine program, which was applied after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine that 12 months. Syedin mentioned he feels secure on American soil however now he desires to assist his musician buddies again in Ukraine.
“For instance, if I must report some cellists or violins, I ship all of that to my buddies in Ukraine,” Syedin mentioned. “I do know they should have a job too.”
Though a few of his buddies died within the battle, Syedin mentioned his music helps him keep hopeful that peace will come quickly.
“It is so onerous to consider what I can do,” Syedin mentioned. “I assist by my music.”
Organizer Kate Voinova mentioned the occasion additionally connects native Ukrainian People with the broader Central Texas group.
Ukrainian composer and pianist Alex Syedin performs on the “Many Faces, One Power” exhibit. Syedin got here to the U.S. as a refugee in 2022 after Russia invaded Ukraine.
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Patrick Davis
Fears of Russian affect
Voinova works with Liberty Ukraine, an Austin-based nonprofit group that raises cash to purchase protecting tools for Ukrainian troopers. Liberty Ukraine additionally contributes funding to a kids’s hospital in Lviv, Ukraine, so it might accommodate new sufferers evacuating from the entrance traces.
One other one of many group’s applications sends the kids of troopers who died within the battle to a remedy camp.
Because the battle enters its fourth 12 months, Voinova is assured that Ukraine will reclaim its prewar borders. However, after residing within the U.S. since 2019, Voinova worries People have gotten extra apathetic concerning the Ukrainian trigger.
“Our Ukrainian half already accepted that the battle is going on and we have to someway resist,” Voinova mentioned. “Now my American half is actually nervous about what is going on on after Russian affect is rising in the USA.”
Rising up in Ukraine within the Nineteen Eighties and ’90s, Voinova mentioned she by no means heard the Ukrainian language on the radio or noticed Ukrainian films within the theater. Every part was Russian.
“I understand how Russian affect impacts a rustic,” Voinova mentioned. “It is one thing you actually do not need to dwell in.”
