These paintings by Masha Vyshedska have become the street art face of Bakhmut, a city near the frontline in eastern Ukraine. Masha’s artwork can be found on facades of Soviet apartment blocks, at the local hospital, as well as at shops, restaurants, and a museum in Kramatorsk.
Masha started as a digital painter in 2016 when her husband Rostyslav found clients from the US to create postcards. Her street artwork began with the Freedom Hub youth centre. To help young talents, Masha launched a Street Art Laboratory, supported by the House of Europeю. She and her students have set up several exhibitions around the city.
In cooperation with NGOs, Masha’s murals reflect on topics from the election process to a person’s place in the world. In art, Masha also "canonizes" her personal experiences such as fostering two of her nephews.The artist turned 12 episodes from her life into an exhibition of icons. She and Rostyslav plan to open a workshop, give life to more depressed buildings and brighten up cities beyond Bakhmut.
Author: Iryna Matviyishyn
The material was prepared with the support of the International Renaissance Foundation within the framework of the project Stories from Ukraine. The material reflects the position of the authors and does not necessarily coincide with the position of the International Renaissance Foundation.
