Misha Tyutyunik says that each stroke of his brush has compassion for Ukrainians as the war enters its second year.
On Saturday, Tyutyunik worked on a mural called “An Evening in Kyiv 2023” in the East Village at the Citizens Bank on 2nd Avenue to show solidarity for the people of Ukraine.
“I created something I thought was fitting to take a glimpse into the life of a Ukrainian family,” Tyutyunik said.
The new mural shows people gathering together with candles and recognizes their resilience during this difficult year.
What You Need To Know
- Misha Tyutyunik worked on a mural outside the Citizens Bank in the East Village
- This was the second mural the artist has created to show support for Ukraine
- The mural created Saturday will hang at Veselka, a Ukrainian restaurant
- Postcards were also on hand to write messages to the people of Ukraine
The anniversary of the war hits home for him.
He lived there until he was seven years old and still has family over there.
“They’re doing their best to keep spirits high and persevere in these hard times,” Tyutyunik said.
This isn’t the first mural he’s done.
He completed “Ukraine: A History in Solidarity” about a year ago.
Tyutyunik’s new mural will hang at the iconic Ukrainian restaurant Veselka.
“It’s a sad day of sorts, but a proud day to be a Ukrainian. We call it 365 days of resilience. I really appreciate the partnership with Citizens [Bank] and having them honor us in the Ukrainian community,” Jason Birchard, owner of Veselka, said.
Besides the new mural, postcards were on hand for people to send messages of hope to the people of Ukraine.
One of the postcards read, “We are thinking of you and stand with you.”
Louis Brown was in the neighborhood going to the Ukrainian Museum and then took part in the opportunity to send a positive message.
“My family and I just feel the need to recognize what they have been through, through the last year and how hard it has been for them,” Brown said.
Tyutyunik said he hopes the mural and postcards will bring some light during this time.
“It’s been a very tough year. I think for Ukrainians everywhere as far as for people from all over the world, this hasn’t been an easy thing for anyone,” Tyutyunik said.
Citizens Bank said it is hoping to collect 365 postcards for each day the war has raged on.
They will send them to World Central Kitchen, an organization providing food to people on the ground.
The postcards will be at businesses throughout the community until March 25.