Cultural Performance at the Ukrainian Festival, Sydney — 2022. In 2022, I curated and produced a major cultural performance at Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour as part of the Ukrainian Festival. The show was created primarily using the private collections of Roxolana Mishalow and Tanya Whitbourn, whose garments carried deep regional and historical significance.
This performance was unlike any I had worked on before. All of the models were Ukrainian refugees. Each person on stage carried their own story of displacement, resilience, and survival, which gave the presentation an added layer of meaning that could not be staged or rehearsed.
The vibrant regional costumes were intentionally contrasted with the visual narrative behind them. I designed a series of projected slides showing Ukrainian towns and cities before and after the war. Together, costume and imagery created a powerful dialogue — beauty and heritage set against destruction and loss.
What emerged was more than a performance. It became a moment of collective remembrance and visibility, honouring Ukrainian culture while acknowledging the realities of war. Through this work, tradition was not frozen in the past, but stood firmly in the present — resilient, human, and deeply alive.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined the workshop! I’m so proud of the beautiful creations you brought to life and all that you achieved with your creativity. A special shoutout to Sandy Bake Shop for hosting us in such a lovely space — your warm and welcoming environment made the day even more enjoyable. And of course, thank you to Nataliya Bake For Ukraine for the delicious sweet treats — you added that extra touch of magic to our day! It was such a joy to share this creative experience with you all. I can’t wait for the next one!
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.
