
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.
Right to Be Free was made possible with the support of the City of Sydney, the Ukrainian Council of NSW (UCNSW), the Australian Federation of Ukrainian Organisations, and the artists of True Blue & a Little Bit of Yellow.











A Living Language of Colour. Petrykivka is a vibrant Ukrainian folk art style that originated in the village of Petrykivka. It is known for its intricate floral, natural, and animal motifs, traditionally painted on white backgrounds. These compositions symbolise harmony, life, and protection, and for generations have been used to decorate homes, everyday objects, and communal spaces. Today, Petrykivka is recognised by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage, acknowledging its role in preserving cultural identity through decorative painting. This tradition has always been close to my heart. What distinguishes Petrykivka from other painting styles is the way it is created — everything is built from expressive brushstrokes that feel like footprints left by different brushes and tools, sometimes even fingertip marks. Each stroke is visible, intentional, and alive, forming complex patterns through simple gestures. Petrykivka is also unapologetically colourful, ornate, and joyful. Its energy comes from abundance rather than restraint, from movement rather than symmetry. These qualities resonate deeply with me. They speak of celebration, optimism, and a connection to nature that feels both playful and profound. For me, Petrykivka is more than a decorative style. It is a visual language that carries memory, emotion, and identity — one that continues to inspire my work and reminds me of the power of colour, rhythm, and hand-made marks to tell stories across time and place.

1 April 2026
My solo exhibition Echoes of the Bush was held at Art Space Gallery, The Concourse in Chatswood. It grew from a deep admiration for Australian nature and a close, ongoing observation of my surroundings. The result was a series of tree portraits and studies of bush textures — works that sit somewhere between painting and sculpture, and are truly meant to be experienced in person. Over 12 days, the exhibition unfolded into something far richer than I could have anticipated. The opening night set the tone — with a thoughtful address by Alan Davies and a moving performance by soprano and bandura player Larissa Kovalchuk. It was a beautiful beginning, and one that stayed with me throughout the exhibition. Across the two weeks, the gallery became a place of connection. We held two fully booked workshops, shared hundreds of conversations, and welcomed a steady flow of visitors — 1,146 people in total. Each interaction, each question, each moment of curiosity added something meaningful to the experience. It was also a great honour to welcome the Mayor of Willoughby, Tanya Taylor, and to feel the genuine support of the Willoughby Council team throughout the entire process. Their encouragement made a real difference. The exhibition has now come to a close — 12 intense and incredibly rewarding days. I’m deeply grateful to everyone who visited, who spent time with the work, and who shared their thoughts and impressions. It truly takes just one kind word to shape someone’s experience, and I felt that kindness every day. A special thank you to those who chose to take a piece of this exhibition home. It means a great deal to know that the works will continue their life in your spaces.