FLOWERS FROM THE FRONTlINE
It is likely that there will be no shortage of documentaries made that capture the catastrophic effects of the war and ongoing crisis in Ukraine.
We, however, are committed to telling a story with a different focus.
Long after war is over, what lives on beyond the memories of those affected and anecdotes in the history books is often the art that was created at that time.
We seek to explore the work of visionary artists amidst the conflict. Like, for example, Olga Morozova, who paints her city ablaze by bombs, but who also captures the joy and resilience of the Ukrainian people in her use of "courageous colors", as observed by Godfrey Barker, former arts correspondent for The Evening Standard.
MUSEUM Exhibition tour:
Learn more about the current exhibit at Bedales School here.
Learn more about the previous exhibit at The Garden Museum here.
MUSEUM SHOW SHORT DOCUMENTARY:
"Olga's purpose is different from any other war artist, she's neither glorifying war, nor is she calling attention to the horrors of war. She's saying 'in war we need friends, we need loyalty from those who are supporting us, we don't want you to go cold on us'. And I can't think of another painter in 150 years who set out to rouse her friends with paintings of the damage of war."
Godfrey Barker, former arts correspondent for The Evening Standard.
Our short documentary tells the story of Olga Morozova, an artist living in Kyiv, Ukraine. It also examines the extraordinary creative relationship between Olga and a London based jewelry designer, Phoebe Walsh. Olga does not view herself as a victim, nor does she intend to leave her home and country. For her, there is no other option but to remain. Her paintings capture her resilient and hope filled perspective of life in a city under siege. This is a poignant story that highlights the enduring power of art and the human spirit.