City of Sydney Civic Collection
I’m deeply honoured that my painting, St. Andrew’s Church in Kyiv, Ukraine is now part of the City of Sydney Civic Collection.
This artwork was officially presented in May 2025 by Andrew Mencinsky, President of the Ukrainian Council of NSW, to Lord Mayor Clover Moore and the City of Sydney—a gesture of gratitude for their ongoing support of displaced Ukrainians and our community since the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022.
St. Andrew’s Church is a treasured Baroque gem of Kyiv, perched above the historic Podil district. Designed by Italian architect Francesco Bartolomeo Rastrelli in the 18th century, it stands as both a cultural icon and a spiritual beacon.
This church holds a special place in my heart — my mum and grandfather were born not far from it, and during my art school years we spent many plein air sessions painting around its beautiful grounds.
The presentation took place a month ago, but I was waiting for the official photos before sharing this moment with you.
Australia’s support of Ukraine and part of my home city Kyiv, now represented in Sydney’s civic collection means more than words can express.
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“Right to Be Free exhibition at Sydney Town Hall”
Right to Be Free was an art exhibition by True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow, created to mark Ukraine’s Independence Day and presented as part of the Freedom. Courage. Culture. performance at Sydney Town Hall in August 2024. The exhibition focused on fundamental human rights and freedoms — values currently under severe threat in Ukraine due to the unlawful Russian invasion. The visual artworks deliberately reflected the joyful, life-affirming aspects of freedom, while accompanying posters addressed the specific rights being violated. This contrast invited viewers to reflect on what freedom means, and what is at stake when it is taken away. Presented in the heart of Sydney, the exhibition formed part of a broader cultural program celebrating Ukrainian identity, resilience, and independence.
“Balmain and Woollahra exhibition Colours of Freedom”
Colours of Freedom was a group exhibition by True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow, created to honour Ukrainian Independence Day on 24 August. The exhibition brought together Ukrainian artists living in Australia around a simple but powerful challenge: to create works using only two colours — blue and yellow. Within this limitation, each artist found their own voice. The palette became a shared language, symbolising freedom, hope, and the ongoing journey of Ukraine’s independence. Despite the restraint, the exhibition was rich in emotion, interpretation, and strength, reflecting resilience through colour alone. The exhibition was generously supported by the Balmain Association and the Ukrainian Council of NSW, and was presented across two locations: Balmain Watch House Gallery from 11–13 August 2023, and Woollahra Redleaf Gallery from 23–25 August 2023. Colours of Freedom stood as a reminder that even with the simplest means, art can speak clearly, carry meaning, and bring people together in solidarity.
“Workshops at the Australiana exhibition”
There is a particular kind of magic in creating art surrounded by so many artworks. Working within the exhibition space was deeply inspiring, and behind us you could glimpse True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow — AUSTRALIANA unfolding around the workshops. I am immensely proud of everyone who took part in the painting workshops during the Australiana exhibition. Scarlett banksia bloomed in every artwork, each one different, each one full of care and attention. The second workshop focused on native flowers, and the results were so strong that it became hard to tell which work was mine and which belonged to the participants. That level of engagement and confidence is something truly special. People often ask how to cope with stress, how to live with worry, how not to feel overwhelmed by the news from Ukraine. My answer is simple: respond in the way you can, and stay connected. Art, shared time, and human presence matter. Thank you to everyone who came to support, create, and be present. I hope these workshops brought moments of light and positive energy. We choose to live fully, to stay strong, stay together, and find joy in art and friendship — despite everything.