“We don’t draw under bombs” – Libération

Interview

Article reserved for subscribers

Being an artist in times of war, at the front, under bombings, in exile… Fear, losses, and hope despite everything… Back home in <a href="https://www.world-today-news.com/a-military-plane-crashed-in-ukraine/" title="A military plane crashed in Ukraine“>Kharkov in a ruined house, the Ukrainian designer Tatiana Danilenko tells her French friend how she was able to start drawing again.

One day a friend was born to me. “Excuse the strangeness of my approach. I am a stranger from a distant snowy country. But your drawings impressed me so much (1) that it erases all barriers and boundaries. You managed to revive the enigmatic lullaby of my childhood, difficult, unique, different from the others, suffering from this while being strengthened by it; to revive the fleetingness of this piece of life, the desire to stop it and the desire to become great, when we already know that it will be a difficult and painful solitude like the solitary life of a cockchafer, of a butterfly, leaves and people. Maybe we should believe in fairies? I live with them and I draw them (I work at the Sverdlovsk cartoon studio) and I hardly separate my dreams from the discipline of work. […] Terrible disasters and wars once again show the fragility of each life. […]»

I received this letter one day in 1989 but I did not read it. It came from the Urals, written in Cyrillic characters. For months I looked for a translator. The translation

**How does⁢ Tatiana’s experience in Kharkov⁤ demonstrate the potential of art to not only⁤ reflect trauma but also to actively participate in the process of healing and rebuilding for individuals ‌and communities?**

## ‌World Today⁢ News Exclusive Interview: Art and ​Resilience in​ Times of War

**Introduction:**

Today we delve into the powerful intersection of art and resilience during times of conflict. Join us as we speak ⁣with Ukrainian⁣ designer Tatiana⁣ Danilenko, who bravely shares her‌ experience finding solace and expression through art amidst the turmoil of war in Kharkov. We are also​ joined by renowned art critic and historian Dr. Emily Carter, who will provide insightful commentary and context to‍ Tatiana’s inspiring‍ journey.

**Section 1: The Power of Connection Through Art**

* **Interviewer:** Tatiana, your art clearly ⁤carries deep emotional weight. ‍Can you tell us about the ⁢specific piece mentioned ⁤in ⁤the letter from 1989⁣ that resonated so deeply with its sender? ​What​ emotions were you trying to convey through your work at that time?

* **Tatiana:** (Shares her⁣ perspective on the artwork and its emotional context)

* **Interviewer:** ‍ Dr. Carter, how do you perceive art’s role in bridging cultural divides and creating understanding, especially in​ times ‍of global⁢ tension?

* ​**Dr. Carter:** (Discusses the impact of art as a universal​ language and its ​power to foster empathy)

**Section 2: Finding Hope Amidst Destruction**

* **Interviewer:** Tatiana, returning ‍to Kharkov after the devastation caused by the war, you found yourself in⁤ a ruined house. How did you ⁣manage ‌to‌ find the strength and inspiration to create art again in such a challenging environment?

* **Tatiana: **(Describes her emotional landscape upon returning and how‍ she found hope through art)

* **Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, many artists⁤ struggle ⁤to express themselves in the face of immense suffering. What strategies or techniques have you observed artists employ to channel ⁤their ​pain and trauma into creative​ expression?

* **Dr.⁣ Carter:** (Explores different ‍coping mechanisms‌ and artistic ⁣approaches to dealing⁢ with trauma)

**Section 3:⁣ Art as a Catalyst for Healing⁣ and Resilience**

* **Interviewer:** Tatiana, do you believe art can play a role in the healing process‌ for ‍both individuals and communities affected by war? How has creating art influenced ​your own healing journey?

*‍ **Tatiana:** (Shares ‍her personal experience with art as ‌a healing force)

* **Interviewer:** Dr. Carter, throughout history, we’ve seen art emerge as a powerful tool for social commentary and activism. How might Tatiana’s ‍artwork, and ‌the artwork of other Ukrainian artists,‌ contribute to the ongoing narrative of resilience and resistance?

* **Dr. Carter:**⁤ (Discusses the potential⁣ impact of art in shaping ⁣public discourse and‍ fostering ‌social change)

**Conclusion:**

Tatiana’s story is a testament to the enduring‍ power of art to provide solace, connection, and hope ⁤even in the darkest of times. We thank both Tatiana and Dr. Carter for sharing their insightful perspectives on this deeply moving topic.⁣ Their words remind us of the vital role art plays ​in ⁢fostering understanding, empathy and resilience in a world grappling with conflict and change.