Russia’s war against Ukraine is clearly a colonial war – and it always has been, but it is since the large-scale invasion of February 2022 that the Ukrainian society has fully realized it, together with the need of decolonization of its culture. The Western societies are only coming to terms with the nature of these processes, and here is where Ukrainian artists get involved on the international arena to explain why the process of decolonization is so vital.
From the Ukrainian origin of artist Kazimir Malevich to the Ukrainian context scientist Nikolai Vavilov was part of, Ukrainian artists open up a discussion about many important personalities who were appropriated by Russia as part of its colonial practices.
This job is challenging and will take a long time to bear fruit, as Russia has managed to plant so many stereotypes about Ukrainian culture being merely a part of “great Russian culture” in both Ukraine and internationally. Still, as Ukrainians are finally comprehending the importance of their culture and history in their self-identification, they are ready to see themselves as a truly independent nation and proudly tell this to the world.
Guests:
- Kseniia Lytvynenko, art scholar
- Olesya Drashkaba, artist, editor in chief of UCHOOSE
- Alevtina Kakhidze, Ukrainian artist
UKRAINE IN FLAMES project is created by Ukraine Crisis Media Center and NGO “Euroatlantic Course”. We are aiming at searching a loud support for Ukraine in the war started by Russia on the 24th of February 2022.
If you want to support Ukraine against Russian aggression, check the link with recommendations by Ukraine Crisis Media Center – https://uacrisis.org/en/help-ukraine.
NGO Euroatlantic Course collects donations to support Ukrainian Army and civilians – https://eac.org.ua/en/main-page/.
How you can help Ukraine against Russian aggression:
👉🏻 Come back alive – https://bit.ly/3Ct6O2L (works directly with the command and personnel of military units, purchasing infrared thermal imaging cameras, night vision goggles, hemostatics etc);
👉🏻 CO Serhiy Prytula Charity Foundation – https://bit.ly/3Svas1G (purchases supplies for Ukrainian army, such as armor, ammunition, first-aid kits, cars and ATV, humanitarian aid for civilians, and food for animals);
👉🏻 UNITED 24 – https://bit.ly/3M2mXiT (was launched by the President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy as the main venue for collecting charitable donations in support of Ukraine. Funds will be transferred to the official accounts of the National Bank of Ukraine and allocated by assigned ministries to cover the most pressing needs)
👉🏻 Army SOS – https://bit.ly/3UYK168 (manages purchases of necessary ammunition, shields, intercommunication and reconnaissance facilities, etc. and delivers all goods directly);
👉🏻 Vostok SOS – https://bit.ly/3Ruut75 (raising funds for various needs of the army);
👉🏻 Phoenix Wings – https://bit.ly/3RvWSd0 (the appropriate equipment & uniform, personal non-lethal protection (vests, helmets), required treatment of the wounded soldiers, and repair of the buildings used by the army).