Create for Ukraine. Project "Latka" ("The Patch")

Reading news about wars is really tough and traumatising, especially a dragging war with not much clarity in sight.

Living in war times is even more challenging, something you'd never wish upon an enemy. Unfortunately for people in my country, this is the reality now, and the consequences will linger on for a very long time...

But in the darkest times, under stress, danger and enormous pressure, great resilience is discovered, and beautiful projects are born.

I have been fortunate to witness one of them. It was founded by my Friend, Ukrainian artist Ksenia Kovalova.

From Ksenia on her project Latka (The Patch) that she started with her friends in Ukraine:

"What shall an artist do during the war? Is the art timely at all? I've came to realisation that it's more timely than ever.

We collaborated with volunteers to restore a hospital in Zagalcy village (Kyiv region). This hospital was severely damaged by a rocket. Its roof was destroyed, and the walls and windows were severely damaged.

After the restoration, this building will gain a new meaning - 10 rooms will turn into a sharehouse for those who lost their homes.

And you know what - we don't want to forget this all. We want to remember forever.

Our idea is to "patch" unhealable wounds with art - mosaic. To leave a patch on each wounded house that will become a reminder about the pain and suffering. But we will be reminded by beauty, by art."

As I'm witnessing this unbelievably cruel war from my safe home in Melbourne, my heart is there in Ukraine with my people. I truly believe art is a powerful tool for healing and helping others.

I invite you to join me on my journey, make a positive difference in this world, and help patch someone's home. Create for Ukraine!

Thank you and Slava Ukraini.

Natalia

Post on Latka

Ksenia's Instagram