"Ukrainian women.Power & Resilience": The Swindon Exhibition That Gave Voice to Ukrainian Women
On a poignant Tuesday evening, November 18th, Swindon was transformed into a space of profound empathy and recognition. Far from being a mere display of photographs, the single-day exhibition “Ukrainian Women. Power & Resilience” became a cultural landmark—a vibrant, vital testament to the extraordinary fortitude of women uprooted by war.
Organised entirely by the dedicated volunteers of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, the event, held at No4 Studios in Old Town, transcended the typical gallery experience. It was an essential act of storytelling, giving face and voice to the raw, enduring spirit of survival.
The Lens of Empathy
At the heart of the evening lay the compelling black-and-white portraits captured by Swindon-based photographer Oksana Lytvynenko. Herself displaced from Kyiv, Oksana’s work is not photojournalism, it is a deeply personal chronicle. Her lens doesn’t capture victims, but rather heroic figures of everyday life—women who, having faced the unimaginable, are actively, powerfully, and gracefully rebuilding their existence.
The emotional core of the evening was found in the live testimonies. The audience listened intently as the women of the project—including Oksana, Olha Silaeva, Anastasiia Banatska, and Maryna Petryk—shared their personal reflections. Their words painted vivid pictures of loss and the quiet, fierce determination required to forge a new life. These moments were powerful, serving as a visceral reminder of the human cost of the conflict, and the incredible capacity for hope.
Solidarity and Sound
The event drew powerful figures in solidarity. The Mayor of Swindon graced the occasion, sharing her own experience as a host for Ukrainian families, a gesture that reinforced the deep, grassroots commitment of the town to its newest residents. Insights into the project’s mission were shared by the photographer, Oksana Lytvynenko, alongside Ryan Low and Kris Talikowski, Vice-Chair of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine, who underscored the necessity of cultural integration and support.
Adding another moving dimension to the evening was the performance by the Ukrainian duo, Dvi Doli (Two Fates). Their music—a beautiful blend of traditional melancholy and contemporary hope—weaved through the studio, giving voice to the collective memory and spirit of Ukraine, and providing moments of cultural connection for every guest.
The atmosphere was further enhanced by warm hospitality, with complimentary drinks and catering offered to all attendees, fostering a space for genuine dialogue and reflection among the community members, hosts, and Ukrainian guests. The catering was kindly provided by Village Bridge Town Catering.
Community Impact
Kris Talikowski of Swindon Welcomes Ukraine commented: “This event provided a vital platform for connection, allowing the Swindon community to directly engage with the powerful stories of resilience and hope. Organising this exhibition was important to us, and we are incredibly proud of the success of the evening and the warmth shared between all attendees.”
The highly successful event reinforced the strong bonds between the local community and the displaced Ukrainians in Swindon.
The evening was a successful celebration of resilience, cementing the connection between the displaced Ukrainian community and their new home in Swindon.
Photo: Ihor Kuraliesin, Anastasiia Kizima, Karolina Luchkina, Oksana Lytvynenko
