“Everything can happen in our lives, as long as it’s not war. That’s what my grandmother used to say, and only now do I understand her.
She was the same age as my daughter is now when the world war knocked on her door…
My grandmother’s stories seemed like something made up, like the plot of a scary movie, until they became my reality.
Ten days. That’s how long my family spent in the basement of our house, using it as a bomb shelter before leaving this place forever.
My exhibition tells the story of a person who faced war head-on, from despair to hope for a new life.”
5 Textile hangings – 5 Steps to Rebuilding Consciousness
1 Despair
On February 24, 2022, at 4:58 a.m., the full-scale war began.The shards of broken windows pose a danger. Fear in our eyes, despair, shock.The city is under massive bombardment. The destruction of the cultural code of a nation, its self-identity, museums, schools, and hospitals is in flames.
2 Devastation
It became clear that this was the end of the familiar life. There is no sense in waiting for things to get better. It turns out you can pack your whole life into two suitcases. It’s time to leave home, memories, and childhood toys and go who knows where far away from the war.
3 Prayer
In difficult times, you become closer to God, to faith, relying on Providence. For only faith in the good and that goodness overcomes darkness, supports you, and gives you strength to fight.
4 New Lands
Irish land is the best place for recovery and healing from spiritual wounds. The extraordinary nature, inexhaustible love, and support from people around, like living water, heal the suffering soul. The Ukrainian TRIKVETR and the Irish TRISKEL are intertwined historical parallels of both unyielding nations, who have fought fiercely for their right to exist
5 Roots
A thirsty tree stretches its roots deep into the earth in search of nourishing water. Similarly, a person torn from their home strives to find new ground beneath their feet. The viburnum is a traditional symbol of Ukraine, perhaps because it is an unpretentious tree capable of withstanding significant hardships – snow and heat, floods and drought, and it survives against all odds.
About the Artist
My name is Hanna Pidkalіuk. I am from Ukraine, from the city of Kharkiv. I am almost forty. I am a mother, a wife, and an artist. Regardless of life circumstances and whatever happened, I never stopped drawing. Drawing is my life, my source of vitality. This is a naive art based only on self-education and experience. I would like to invite you to get to know my inner world which I express through visual art.
For this project Hannah was mentored by established textile artist Deborah Stockdale through the Artist/Mentor programme delivered by Donegal Arts Service in partnership with the Regional Cultural Centre, Letterkenny.
