Renowned Ukrainian sculptor and artist, Valerii Kaluiev, brings a unique exhibition to The Apex

01 Aug 2024

The renowned Ukrainian sculptor and artist, Valerii Kaluiev, who was rescued as bombs fell on Kyiv, has unveiled a free exhibition at West Suffolk Council’s Apex Gallery.

“My world – Uncompromised: From Ukraine to UK, through the eyes of an artist’’ is currently on display at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds – the town Valerii and his family have taken to their hearts since being forced to relocate from Kyiv.

The exhibition was created as a thank you to his ‘second home’, Bury St Edmunds, and the community that have made him and his wife feel so welcome during a very difficult time. 

Valerii is responsible for some of the most iconic monuments in Ukraine, including being part of the team that created the 100m tall Mother Ukraine statue; now in his 80’s, he is showing no signs of slowing down. 

The artwork on display is a large series of sketches and paintings created since being evacuated from Kyiv, inspired by Ukraine’s plight, Great Britain, and Bury St Edmunds. 

Valerii has particularly been inspired by St Edmund and even created a preliminary model for a proposed statue of the patron saint which West Suffolk Council has put on display at Moyse’s Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds. 

Through his works, the artist expresses his gratitude to the people of UK for their kindness and support of the Ukrainian people.

The exhibition has been realised through a series of partnerships wishing to share Valerii’s story.  Bury St Edmunds Town Council, supported with locality funding coming from Cllr Nicola Iannelli-Popham, Cllr Peter Armitage, Cllr Donna Higgins, Cllr Luke Halpin, Cllr Richard O'Driscoll and Cllr Marilyn Sayer; along with further support from West Suffolk Council’s Heritage Service and The Apex teams. 

The Friends of Moyse’s Hall have helped with logistics and Mayor Diane Hind and West Suffolk Council’s Cabinet Member for Leisure Cllr Ian Shipp have also supported the project. 

The exhibition forms part of West Suffolk Council’s strategic priority for thriving communities which includes enabling residents to experience a diverse range of cultural activities that provide educational opportunities.

Cllr 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. Valerii is a respected and renowned artist and I’m delighted that through this partnership, we have been able to support him in putting on this free exhibition and I would urge everyone to come along and experience it for themselves.”  

The hope is that the local community will benefit too with charities committed to bringing along groups to view the works and potentially meet Valerii as well.

Further info:
''My  World - Uncompromised: From Ukraine to UK, through the eyes of an artist'' - Valerii Kaluiev - Free admission
The Apex, Charter Square, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 3FD
Tuesday 16 July 2024 - Sunday 18 August 2024
Monday to Saturday 9:30am - 4.30pm, Sunday 10.30am - 4pm
 

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