I recently had the opportunity to interview the courageous Anastasia Timofeienkova, who is a Ukrainian artist and designer. She has been using her art to express how she feels about the Russian invasion of Ukraine. She’s also been using art as a medium to provide information for other people about what is happening with Ukraine. You can find some of her art on the Instagram account @anastasia_timva.
When did you start creating your art?
I have been painting for 10 years. For five years I created illustrations for books (more for children). For the last year I have been studying design. For me, creating art is life.
When did you decide to start using your art to express how you feel about the war and to provide information for others?
I started talking to people through art when I got my first shock. It happened on the morning of the second day. I made the decision to go back to work. It was important to keep the dialogue going, so I used illustrations. What is happening to us is very scary. Many people couldn’t stop reading the news. Every hour something was happening. And it’s happening right now. The illustrations helped me find visual support.
How do you think art is best used in war?
Art is a way of talking. If it is silent then it is worthless. I think war doesn’t change the essence of art. The only thing that really matters is what and how to create art.
Does it help you to express how you feel through your art?
I am painting a lot now. But everything I feel does not fit into a painting. Art helps you to realize that you are alive and still capable of feeling and creating. I think the main thing is not to lose the will to live and to fight. Everyone fights what they can, this is art for me.
Do you think that the war will have a lasting effect on your art?
War does not change people. War changes the way you understand yourself and the world. This understanding is very important. My art will change forever. It will no longer be like before. I know now that I don’t paint for myself.