Ukrainian man in warzone raises funds with art

Artwork made by a man who is not allowed to leave his country due to war will be showcased in Essex to raise money for Ukrainian Humanitarian Aid.

Michael Velychko, 30, was born in Poltava in Central Ukraine and now lives on a little farm with his two brothers.

Mr Velychko was 15 years old when he first started oil painting and has now sold 200 works of art to collectors in England, America and Europe.

His work is being exhibited at the Sentinel Gallery in Wivenhoe and money raised will be donated to the Children's Hospital in Kyiv.

Mr Velychko told BBC Essex that he would not be able to attend the exhibition in person due to Russia invading Ukraine in 2022.

In a written message to the BBC he said: "As you know we have a war going on in Ukraine and no men are allowed to leave the country.

"I therefore can not be personally at the exhibition in Wivenhoe."

The painter managed to get his artwork in the exhibition thanks to his friendship with John Eborn, who runs the Medder Gallery in Lavenham, Suffolk.

Mr Eborn, now retired, said he had bought paintings from Mr Velychko in 2017 but when the war started, he received a message from the painter asking for help.

"He is an artist, a true artist and he can see the best in things."

Mr Ebron said Mr Velychko's artwork is a form of "escapism, but it is a positive escapism."

Mr Velychko said: "In the last [few] days we had the worst attacks since the war started.

"As we have power cuts and the lift is not working I stay in the bathroom and try to paint or do some IT work.

"At the moment we have difficult times."

Mr Eborn added: "He is only young and yet he has already given me his last will and testament wishes.

"He supports his elderly parents and I do everything I can pro bono."

The first week of the exhibition starts on 2 September and entry is free entry.

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