Shortly before the Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, smART Magazine reached out to Victoria Kagalovska — a painter, fashion designer, and creative entrepreneur based in Kyiv. She has since left the city and has been a relentless and passionate advocate for the plight of her country on social media. Kagalovska joined us to talk about the tense atmosphere preceding the invasion — reminding us that the invasion started many years ago — as well as her motivations as an artist.

sM | How is the artistic community responding to the current situation in Ukraine with solidarity?

VK ── We’ve been living in this political environment since the beginning of the annexation of Crimea and the war in Donbas. There is constant stress and fear of a full-scale war. I know it sounds weird, but we are used to living with it. When you’re hearing every day about the losses at the frontline, you cannot react every time as strongly as the first time. That said, the informational escalation of the conflict has recently had a very negative effect on the mood and economy of the entire country. Artists, like all people, are united in Ukraine now. We will continue to create and mould a good image for our country. Life (war) is short — art is eternal. Vita brévis, ars lónga.