Ukrainian artist refuses to let war destroy legacy

Artist Valerii Kaluiev fled to Bury St Edmunds with his wife after Russia invaded Ukraine

A renowned sculptor who fled to Suffolk as bombs dropped on war-torn Ukraine has unveiled a new exhibition as he "refuses" to see his life's work reduced to rubble.

Valerii Kaluiev is responsible for helping create some of the most iconic monuments in his homeland, including the 100m (328ft) tall Mother Ukraine statue.

Mr Kaluiev, 80, found refuge with his wife at his son Tamik’s home in Bury St Edmunds after fleeing Kyiv in February 2022 when Russia invaded Ukraine.

He has now unveiled an exhibition at the town's Apex art gallery as a thank you to his new home.

The artworks on display include a large series of sketches and paintings inspired by Ukraine’s plight, Great Britain, and Bury St Edmunds and its community.

Mr Kaluiev is said to have been inspired by St Edmund and has even created a model for a proposed statue of the patron saint which is on display at Moyse’s Hall Museum.

Tamik, 40, said his retired dad was inspired to pick up the paintbrush after realising his works could be decimated and erased from the landscapes of his homeland.

Valerii Kaluiev's new artworks have been put on display as a thank you to the people of Bury St Edmunds

“While travelling on the train from Kyiv, my father realised, as a result [of the war], there would be no creativity legacy left,” he said.

“All he created through his life for people to enjoy could be destroyed but he refused to accept there will be nothing left and nobody will know his art anymore.

“And then he started to paint and I could start to see there were quite a few paintings so I asked him what he wanted to do with them.

“He said he’d love to share them with the people of Bury St Edmunds because everyone had been so welcoming and supportive of them.”

Valerii Kaluiev (left) with West Suffolk Council's cabinet member of leisure, councillor Ian Shipp

The exhibition, entitled 'My World – Uncompromised: From Ukraine to UK, Through The Eyes Of An Artist', has been brought to life with the help of Bury St Edmunds Town Council, West Suffolk Council’s Heritage Service and The Apex.

The Friends of Moyse’s Hall Museum group has also played its part, as well as Mayor Diane Hind and Ian Shipp, West Suffolk Council’s cabinet member for leisure.

Mr Shipp said: “The war in Ukraine and the circumstances that have led to people having to flee their homes and their country is tragic.

“Valerii and his family have been so welcomed with kindness and support here in west Suffolk that he wanted to give something back to the community.

“I’m delighted that through this partnership we have been able to support him in putting on this free exhibition. I’d urge everyone to come along and experience it.”

The free display will be available to view at The Apex, in Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, until 18 August.