From Ukraine to Chester: Final-Year Student Shares the Story Behind Moving Gallery Exhibition

Why did you choose to study at the University of Chester?

I first discovered the University of Chester during an Open Day, and I left feeling genuinely excited. I just had that feeling of “Yes, this is where I want to study.” The atmosphere was creative and supportive, and everyone I met was kind and welcoming.

What really stood out to me was how many different creative spaces and workshops there were on Chester’s Kingsway campus. I could see that these places would allow me to experiment with all kinds of materials and techniques. There are photo studios, spaces for woodwork, printmaking, digital design, and more. From my visit, it instantly felt like a university where I could try different things and find my own direction as an artist and designer.

I also really liked the campus itself, the building, the studios, and just the general vibe. The University felt full of possibilities, with people who are open and willing to help each other. That made a big impression on me.

Can you explain the meaning or message behind your work?

This work is a personal reflection on memory, identity, and losing my home. It’s based on my experience of leaving Ukraine, the country where I was born and raised, and everything I had to leave behind.

The piece is a diptych, two paintings that tell one emotional story. On the left, I’ve recreated a photo from 2021, before the war. I’m running through a golden wheat field, full of peace and freedom.

On the right, I sit by the Black Sea, where I was born. That part feels heavier as it’s about sadness and feeling lost. My eyes are closed to show how I’m disconnecting from myself. This feeling isn’t only mine and it reflects what many Ukrainians are going through.

The figures are painted in a realistic style, while the backgrounds are more stylised. The colours in both scenes subtly echo the Ukrainian flag. One detail I really like is the light, you might notice that in both paintings, it comes from the opposite panel. The figure on the left is lit from the right, and the one on the right is lit from the left. This was intentional and it connects the two scenes, like the light is passing from one world into the other. It creates a connection between past and present, memory and reality. This work shows that even when life changes, something inside us still stays connected to who we were.

What word of advice would you give to future students?

Be honest in your work, especially if it’s personal. It can feel scary, but that honesty is what makes your work powerful. Also, don’t be afraid to try new things, even if they feel a bit strange or new at first. Some of the best moments in my practice came from trying out new techniques or pushing myself into something unfamiliar. That’s where the real growth happens.

What skills have you learnt from putting together this exhibition?

This project really pushed me. I worked with large-scale formats for the first time, which was a learning curve. Figuring out how to fill space without losing the emotional detail was a big concern. I picked up new techniques, refined how I tell visual stories, and also learned a lot about how to make something that’s personal feel accessible to other people.

What are your ambitions for the future?

I plan to combine both Graphic Design and Fine Art in my future work and I want to create something unique in my own style. Having skills in both areas, which I could explore at Chester, gives me flexibility in the kinds of projects I can do. I can work by hand, digitally, or mix the two depending on the project. I feel confident working in both ways. Thanks to everything I’ve learned at the University, and through my personal journey, I now feel ready to start building something of my own.

Marta’s exhibition is on display at the CASC gallery and will be part of our end of year show, which is open 13th June to 28th June inclusive, on Fridays, Saturdays, Mondays and Wednesdays, 10am to 4pm! Head over to our Art and Design page to find out more about the creative courses we offer.

Are you an international student thinking about studying art in the UK? Discover how you can become part of our thriving global community here at Chester by visiting our page.