'Art for Ukraine' Exhibition launches at Guildford Church
The exhibition showcases the work of three professional artists who lead a Ukrainian Art Support Group in Farnham.
Last updated 15th May 2023
An exhibition has opened showcasing the work of three artists who run a Ukrainian Art Support Group in Farnham.
The exhibition launched on Friday 12 May at St Mary's Church in Guildford, revealing a selection of works from three artists: Mariya Borysova, Natalia Sharomova and Niel Ballingal. Borysova and Sharomova are both from Ukraine, whilst Ballingal is from the UK. The exhibition closes on the 25th of May.
Mariya Borysova is a painter, graphic artist and art teacher who graduated from Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts.
Natalia Sharomova is a photojournalist from Kyiv, whilst Niel Ballingal has had paintings exhibited in the likes of London and Cornwall.
The three professional artists have been working together at the arts charity Creative Response in Farnham, leading a Ukrainian Art Support Group since last November which is run by Creative Response, in association with Activate Learning.
The exhibition will also be supported by Folk Inspiration, which is a concert organiser in Guildford. Folk Inspiration are putting on a concert tomorrow evening at the Church, featuring the renowned fiddler Sam Sweeney.
Jo Hughes, from Folk Inspiration, said that "I noticed that the Church was running weekly vigils for Ukraine - knowing that Ukraine's weekly art group was here... I had this idea of putting those two things together. That's how this exhibition came about."
"With the invasion of Ukraine last year, my response was to do a series of paintings that will be on show "
Niel explained that the Ukrainian Art Support Group has had an impact on his work:
"With the invasion of Ukraine last year, my response was to do a series of paintings that will be on show... They were quite dark with a little bit of light.
"But actually working with the group, they've been so uplifting that there's a lot of light and less dark now in my work."
Mariya emphasised that art is a vital part of her life. "When I start to do some art, it is a very big relief for me.
"And now I feel it in my group, they feel the same."
Natalia described her work: "some photos are of the people, some photos are landscape, some photos are away from Ukraine when we escaped the war. A little bit of history, some are from Britain."
Catherine McManus is the Chief Executive of Creative Response said "Through the experience of art and creativity as well as the social and community connection that we offer people, we hope to be able to benefit people's wellbeing."