In December, SASS held an exhibition at the Volcano Theatre, raising money for local charities who support refugees and asylum seekers. Among the talented local artists that submitted their artwork was 14-year-old Sasha (pseudonym), whose artwork really caught people’s attention.

Now, Sasha’s artwork is also being shown in the Glynn Vivian Art Gallery as part of the Swansea Open 2024 exhibition! The exhibition is a celebration of art and craft from artists and makers throughout the city, this is an incredible achievement.

Sasha’s series of work, titled “The Faces of War,” are technically complex graphic drawings, using just a liner pen. Her mother talks about how making art helps Sasha, “it’s like therapy for her.”

“Sasha, like many other refugees from Ukraine, saw a lot of things that mentally healthy person couldn’t even imagine. Her work captures the souls of war heroes, the souls of soldiers who died defending Ukraine. They all had army nicknames, and the memory of them will remain in our hearts forever. This story is about how good always triumphs over evil. We wouldn’t remember their faces, but their valor [bravery and courage] is in our hearts forever.

– Sasha’s mother

There are also various other artists at the Swansea Open that you may recognise, both from our exhibition and other projects run at Volcano Theatre, including work by Hazle Boyles and Humberto Gatica-Leyton. Artists within EYST have also been busy creating various pieces which have been chosen to be on display at the exhibition – keep an eye out!

The Swansea Open is free to visit, and on display between 3rd February and 19th May 2024 at The Glynn Vivian Art Gallery, SA1 5DZ.