Art Exhibition: The Road to Freedom Is Bordered with Sunflowers
When Art Becomes Action
The art exhibition "The Road to Freedom Is Bordered with Sunflowers" was created as a space where art, memory, and social responsibility could meet. What began as a visual exploration of identity and resilience evolved into a powerful community-driven project with long-lasting impact.
At the heart of the exhibition was the work of Mariia Shevchenko (NNNII) — an artist, cultural advocate, and community leader whose creative practice is deeply connected to humanitarian action. Mariia's paintings reflect themes of freedom, displacement, hope, and the enduring strength of cultural roots. Sunflowers, a recurring symbol throughout the exhibition, represent life, continuity, and the road home — even when that road is shaped by migration.
Beyond her artistic work, Mariia has been actively involved in supporting Ukrainian refugees in Australia. Through her leadership and collaboration, she helped bring together Ukrainian organisations across Australia, strengthening cooperation within the community. As part of a dedicated team, she also contributed to a successful national initiative that supported Ukrainian refugees in obtaining Permanent Residency, helping families build stability, safety, and a future in a new country.
Every artwork presented at the exhibition was sold. Rather than ending in private collections alone, the impact of these works continued beyond the gallery walls. The funds raised were fully reinvested into the creation and printing of children's books in two languages — Ukrainian and English.
These books were developed with a simple but profound purpose: to ensure that children growing up in migration do not lose their connection to home. Through bedtime stories read by mothers and grandmothers, language, memory, and cultural identity are gently preserved. In moments of quiet reading, culture is carried forward — word by word, story by story.
The social and cultural significance of the project received national recognition when it was featured on the cover of Melaleuca Australia's Annual Report 2025. Melaleuca Australia highlighted the initiative as one of the year's successful projects that supports people and strengthens communities through creativity, compassion, and cultural preservation.
This recognition affirmed the core belief behind the exhibition: art can do more than inspire — it can serve, protect, and unite. From paintings on canvas to books in children's hands, "The Road to Freedom Is Bordered with Sunflowers" stands as a living example of how creativity can become a bridge between generations, cultures, and countries.
The journey continues — guided by the understanding that even far from home, culture remains a source of strength, belonging, and hope.
Gallery
