Cultural Production at Scale: Behind the Scenes of Diplomatic Performances. Large-scale cultural productions rely on careful planning, close collaboration, and deep respect for historical detail. The costume performance at the National Gallery of Australia, Canberra, in 2019 was the most complex project of this kind that I coordinated. It was created for the Embassy of Ukraine and the Ukrainian Women’s Association, and held in honour of the late Christine (Hrystyna) Syvenkyj-Bailey, whose lifelong dedication to Ukrainian cultural heritage continues to resonate deeply.
The project required working across multiple teams and private collections to deliver a unified and meaningful performance for a diplomatic audience. For this event, I coordinated 29 models and 17 private collectors, alongside multiple cultural organisations and contributors, bringing together diverse elements into a single coherent presentation.
Every detail — from costume construction to the order of presentation — was carefully curated to communicate a clear cultural narrative. My responsibilities spanned curatorial decision-making, logistical coordination, visual design, and narrative development, ensuring that each component supported the overall experience.
An earlier performance in 2018, initiated by Christine Syvenkyj-Bailey, was created primarily on the basis of her personal collection. My role focused on shaping the presentation, coordinating contributors, and translating the collection into a clear and engaging public performance.
Creating region-appropriate floral head wreaths and jewellery for such a large number of models was particularly challenging, both creatively and logistically. Managing the transport, handling, and return of numerous historical and handmade items required precision and care, but the process was completed successfully without loss or damage. Following the event, I designed a commemorative calendar featuring photographs taken during the performance by Tetiana Matsypura, extending the life of the project beyond the event itself.
True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow — UNITED. The second exhibition by True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow expanded the circle. This time, Ukrainian and Australian artists came together, united by solidarity and a shared belief in the power of art to help. Seventeen artists participated in UNITED, a collective effort where local creatives gathered their talent for a clear purpose — to raise funds for humanitarian aid supporting Ukrainians affected by the war. Held at Curl Curl Creative Space Gallery from 21–24 July, the exhibition became a meeting point of cultures, generosity, and creative voices. We are deeply thankful to everyone who took part, visited, supported the artists, and contributed to this cause.
Murals are a powerful way to transform an interior, creating an immediate emotional response and a strong sense of place. Whether subtle and atmospheric or bold and expressive, a mural can change the mood of a room instantly, making it feel more connected, considered, and complete. As a Sydney-based artist and designer, I specialise in creating custom interior murals that integrate seamlessly with residential and commercial spaces. Unlike external murals, interior murals become part of daily life — interacting with natural light, architecture, furniture, and textures. A well-designed mural unites colours, materials, and styles, acting as a visual anchor for the entire interior. I work exclusively with professional, art-quality acrylic paints, chosen for their durability, colour stability, and practicality. Acrylic paint is washable and long-lasting, making it ideal for interiors where both beauty and functionality matter. With correct surface preparation and finishing, an interior mural remains vibrant and resilient for many years. Finish plays a crucial role in the final result. When working with acrylics, it is important not to mix matte and glossy surfaces unintentionally, as this can disrupt the visual harmony of the artwork. A consistent finish ensures the mural reads as a cohesive piece rather than fragmented elements reflecting light differently. An interior mural is often the final design layer — the element that brings everything together. It can soften a minimalist space, add depth to neutral interiors, or create a quiet focal point that enhances the character of a room. Thoughtfully created, a mural does not overpower an interior; it completes it. If you are looking for a custom mural artist in Sydney to create a unique, site-specific artwork for your interior, I welcome collaborations with homeowners, interior designers, architects, and commercial clients.
