According to the soldiers, they had never painted before, and even had no idea that war would make them take a brush. Local volunteers and artists have been offering art therapy sessions to wounded soldiers that are treated at the Dnipropetrovsk Hospital. This technique helps to overcome pain. A colorful wave that emerges after the paint is mixed has a positive effect on the mind. And it really works. Among the soldiers’ works are beautiful landscapes, animals, flowers – and not a hint of war. Borys Filatov, Mayor of Dnipropetrovsk, was one of the first to visit the exhibition. He called it a breath of fresh air and confessed that he was impressed with the soldiers’ artistic skills.
“It is an important event for the Mayor’s office and the City Council. This old Soviet building is still inhabited by the spirits of the past. I would like to have such exhibitions open here at all times – not only of soldiers’ art, but also of pictures by children or anyone else,” said Filatov.
The lobby of City Council displays 42 artworks by the soldiers, who were treated in the city’s Military Hospital. The paintings had been collected over the past year. During this time the art exhibition by those who defended Ukraine’s integrity visited libraries, exhibition halls, and trade centers of the city on the Dnipro. The paintings are accompanied by the photos of their authors. They show that these men had created their own masterpieces while still lying in hospital beds. The organizers state that the exhibition’s purpose is to reveal the real, sensual inner world of the defenders of Ukraine.
Denys Merzykin serves in the 93rd Brigade. A year ago he was wounded near Krasnohorivka. After that, he was treated at the military hospital. Denys says that then he was eager to agree on anything to provide a distraction. Art therapy immediately captured the soldier’s attention. “It helps. It distracts from your problems and brings up positive emotions. And this is the way to a speedy recovery,” says Denys. According to the mayor, art exhibition is to become a traditional event for the City Council. The head of Dnipropetrovsk also advised to create a museum for soldiers’ artworks or donate them for charity auctions. The proceeds can be transferred to the rehabilitation of Ukrainian soldiers. The exhibition by ATO soldiers will be on display in the lobby of the City Council for at least two weeks.
