Art exhibition ‘reflects strength and creativity of those who have been forced to flee war’

An art exhibition has opened at Caerphilly Library, showcasing the work of a Ukrainian artist and poet-turned refugee.

Mother-of-three Olesia Miftahova left Ukraine last year, having initially stayed in the hope the war would end.

Now living in Crosskeys, much of her work has been inspired by her experiences of war and displacement, having relocated under the most difficult of circumstances.

Since moving to Wales, Olesia has contributed to Welsh cultural life, helping to organise poetry readings at Cardiff University and Cardiff Library.

Her Garden of Memory exhibition opened on Saturday June 21, and will be on display until Thursday July 17.

The opening event was attended by Caerphilly town mayor Mike Prew and Caerphilly County Borough mayor Dawn Ingram-Jones, as well as the borough council’s deputy leader Jamie Pritchard. They were joined by a number of residents and members of the Ukrainian community for a shared moment of reflection and celebration.

“This exhibition holds deep personal meaning,” said Yuliia Bond, co-organiser and member of the Ukrainians in Caerphilly community group. “It reflects the strength and creativity of those who have been forced to flee war, yet continue to rebuild, to share, and to inspire.”