Artists are experiencing a sense of gratitude for the unexpected support and basic kindness shown to them. In the midst of exile and displacement, often the best of humanity reasserts itself.

As Maria says in her fifth blog, “So many of my friends and colleagues who were also forced to leave Russian and Ukraine tell incredible stories. I asked some artists to share their stories.”

Two persons, Maxim Zmeyev, a photojournalist; and a young musician, Yaroslav Dimov, share their stories. —Clayton Campbell

April 20, 2022

Recently I was at a reception at the Czech embassy and for almost 1.5 hours the discussion was only about the war. Secular meetings become like “war councils.” People raised issues that are now worrying everyone: how such an event is possible in the 21st century, how to help Ukraine, or will there be a nuclear incident as the war expands? However, several speakers said that now it is an important task to support the artists, journalists or dissident musicians who do not support the existing regime in Russia.

Before I fled Moscow, I was isolated, alone. I feel such incredible support now! I have never received so much help from friends and strangers from other countries. I had believed that people’s humanity in the Metaverse era was in short supply. Yet now a hundred thousand acts of unselfish generosity have awakened people into a spirit of gratitude. Everyone helps each other, and I have been deeply touched.

When the war began, friends stepped up, finding a residence for me and my daughter in Berlin. An American foundation unhesitatingly gave me a grant that has allowed us to survive. And miracles continue to happen in my life. This gives me hope not to give up and continue to engage in art, to which I have dedicated my entire conscious life.

Action in front of the Russian Embassy in Vilnius against the violence of Ukrainian women by Russian soldiers. Photo: Edvard Blaževič / LRT

So many of my friends and colleagues who were also forced to leave Russia and Ukraine relate incredible stories. I asked some artists to share their stories:

“My name is Maxim Zmeyev, I am 35 years old and a contemporary artist and photojournalist. I was a photographer for Reuters, as well as a freelance photographer for the AFP and independent media in Russia. Russian troops attacked Ukraine on February 24 on the orders of Russian President Putin. Russia’s aggression continues to this day. As I write this letter the Russian military continues to destroy Ukrainian cities and kill Ukrainians. This is a fact and from March 4, 2022 the Russian Federation could see up to 15 years in prison for disseminating or discussing this fact. On March 5, I flew to Istanbul where I am now. I’m looking for an opportunity to move to Europe or America and am in contact with Journalists Without Borders—who are trying to help me. I hope I will have the opportunity to live on. I have a friend who is a French journalist, Anne. She is helping me a lot right now and gives me hope. It’s very important to feel that if you’re from Russia, it doesn’t mean that the whole world hates you. For people like me who are against the war, it gives hope that peace can come.”

Max Zmeyev, Red Mirror (project in progress), 2022
Photo collages from “Red Mirror” series consists of photos taken in the video game which takes place in Russian/Soviet reality. These games were made by developers from countries that were part of the USSR and/or Soviet Empire. These collages also contain elements of documentary archive photos of the USSR.

“My name is Yaroslav Dimov, I am 18 years old, from Kiev. All my life I have tried to give people positive emotions through music. In October 2021, my friends and I created a group and we intensively gave concerts in popular venues in the capital, where many came to hear our work. Our goal was for people to learn to listen to each other. On the third day of the war, I miraculously managed to leave my home and get rid of the hellish sounds that Russian rockets made, I just wanted to live. The road to Europe was for me a leap into the unknown and a step towards a new life. In Berlin, My family and I were treated with understanding, care and support. Kind people helped us with a place to stay and every day they offer their help; it’s cool that they consider us their friends. Our neighbors provided a few musical instruments and space to practice my music. Here I met musicians from Ukraine and we managed to participate in several charity concerts in support of our country. We believe that goodwill overcome evil and music will help this.”

It seems to me that against the backdrop of this ongoing madness, we should unite and help each other—the only way to endure. The whole world now feels vulnerable and only unity can help to survive. Our strength is in unity and the ability to hear each other.

As I prepare to leave Berlin at the end of the month, nothing is certain. The war could ripple through more countries, creating widespread financial ruin and devastation. Or, it might stop, and the world will blossom with the spring.

Yaroslav Dimov, personal archive, Kyiv, 2021

To be continued…

—Maria Agureeva

Editor’s Note: If you would like to donate to Ukrainian relief efforts, you may make a direct contribution to the Global Giving Ukrainian Relief Fund at this link. Or please donate to a charity of your choice that will assist the people of Ukraine.

https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/ukraine-crisis-relief-fund/