New Light

Children have an innate ability to express what often eludes even the most articulate among us. Through their art, they lay bare emotions, hopes and fears in ways that words can’t quite capture. In Ukraine, a country torn by conflict, this creative instinct has become a lifeline. The Colors of Freedom: Ukrainian Children for Peace exhibition at Oklahoma Contemporary brings together the artwork of young Ukrainians who, through the vivid strokes of their brushes, invite the world to see the war through their eyes—and to share in their vision of a peaceful future.

Margarita Usova, a 13-year-old from Zaporizhzhia, paints with a determination that belies her years. "The Ukrainian people are facing very hard times," she says, her voice steady with conviction, "but I believe that a bright light is ahead, and soon, a peaceful sky." Her words, like her art, are full of a hope that refuses to be extinguished, even in the darkest of times. Margarita’s work, along with that of her peers, serves as a powerful reminder that in the midst of chaos, the human spirit finds ways to endure, to create and to dream.

Through their artwork, these young artists offer us glimpses of the Ukraine they long for — a place where the sound of birds replaces the wail of sirens and where the sky is a brilliant, uninterrupted blue. Their dreams are simple, yet profound: mornings spent with family, laughter over breakfast, the freedom to attend school without fear. Each piece in the exhibition is more than just a portrayal of a landscape or a moment; it’s a testament to the resilience and courage of a generation that has seen too much, too soon.

For these young creators, art is not merely an escape; it is a form of resistance, a way to assert their identity and tell their story on their own terms. "My art is about life," says 21-year-old Maria Serdyuk, whose paintings and poems grapple with the complexities of existence in a war-torn land. "I want people to find something of their own in my work. I want to draw attention to the problems that exist, especially the war that has been going on for years and covers the whole of Ukraine."

Maria’s voice carries the weight of history, filtered through the lens of her young life. Her great-grandmother, now 94, has lived through the tumult of the 20th century and sees the ongoing conflict as yet another chapter in a long saga of suffering. “She calls it a ‘stupid war,’” Maria says, a mixture of frustration and resignation in her tone. “When we meet as a family, she always asks, ‘When will the war end?’ I wish we knew, Grandma.” Maria’s art, like that of her peers, is a call for the world to pay attention — to see not just the devastation but the enduring humanity that persists in spite of it.

Supporting this exhibition is Sooner Hope for Ukraine, a community of Ukrainian expats and compassionate Oklahomans who have come together in solidarity. Their efforts extend beyond simply showcasing these young talents; they are actively involved in supporting communities across Ukraine, fostering connections that span oceans and cultures. For them, this exhibition is more than an art show — it’s a beacon of hope, a way to bring the stories of these children to the forefront and remind us all that art has the power to unite and inspire.

At just seven years old, Timur Akchurin is one of the youngest artists in the exhibition, yet his work speaks with a maturity beyond his years. "Creating art makes me feel less alone," Timur says, his small hands gripping a paintbrush with the seriousness of an adult. "It gives me a chance to tell America about my country and to show that Ukraine is an independent nation. My eyes see the war every day — explosions, air raids." Timur’s paintings are his way of processing the unthinkable, of staying strong in a world that often feels anything but safe. "Painting helps me stay strong and not be afraid, even when there’s no light or power in the house."

For these young artists, creativity is a form of survival. In a world where the very act of going to school or playing outside can be fraught with danger, art becomes a sanctuary, a place where they can find some semblance of normalcy. Polina Shaitanova, 17, has learned to channel her fears into her work. "It’s not safe in our city, but I save myself with creativity," she says, reflecting on how art has helped her cope with the constant threat of violence. "If you think too much about what’s happening, you can become paranoid and anxious. Art helps me remember that we have only one life, and we need to live it." Polina’s art is a declaration of resilience, a refusal to be consumed by the chaos around her.

Installation view of Colors of Freedom

Colors of Freedom: Ukrainian Children for Peace is on display at Oklahoma Contemporary through Jan. 6, 2025. It offers a rare and powerful glimpse into the lives of these young artists, whose work speaks to the universal desire for peace, security and a future free from fear. Their art tells a story that the world needs to hear — a story of courage, love and an unwavering belief in a brighter future, even in the face of overwhelming odds.

As you experience the exhibition, taking in the vivid colors and poignant images, it’s impossible not to be moved by the strength and determination of these young Ukrainians. They remind us that even in the darkest times, there is light to be found, and that the future, though uncertain, is still worth fighting for.

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