War leaves deep psychological scars not only on soldiers but also on their families and the wider community. People need a safe space to collectively process traumatic experiences. Art therapy makes it possible to express the pain of loss and to find a path toward recovery through art. From Battle to Canvas is a new format of socio-cultural project with a powerful social impact. The exhibitions will be accompanied by music, art therapy sessions, workshops, and personal stories of participants, creating an atmosphere of a living artistic space. Here, visitors can feel and understand contemporary events through art that heals and unites.
From Battle to Canvas is more than an exhibition project. It is a journey from trauma to recovery, from personal experience to collective strength. It is a new Ukrainian practice that combines culture, psychology, and community, creating a space for memory and mutual understanding. Within the exhibition space, volunteer donation boxes will be placed, with collected funds directed to support soldiers undergoing rehabilitation.
Volodymyr Symanyshyn was born in the village of Vysichka, Borshchiv district, Ternopil region. Trained as a builder, he stood up to defend Ukraine from the first days of the full-scale war. On February 24, 2022, he was abroad, but upon learning of the invasion by Russian occupiers, he returned home without hesitation and joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Volodymyr had no prior military training, so he learned in shortened terms during combat. He fought in the Bakhmut and Luhansk directions, where in July 2023 he sustained injuries to both arms from a mine explosion, leading to the amputation of his hands. Thanks to fundraising and the support of the Protez Foundation clinic (Minnesota, USA), Volodymyr was fitted with bionic prosthetic arms.
While Symanyshyn was in a hospital in Ternopil, volunteers visited the ward and offered the wounded men to paint. “And why won’t you paint?” they asked Volodymyr. “How can I paint? I have no hands,” he replied. Then a brush was taped to his arm stump. This was his first step on the path to art.
Faith in God and the support of his family, art therapy, and independent painting helped Volodymyr recover both physically and emotionally. He continues to create artworks that reflect his experience, inner strength, and love of life.
Exhibitions of Volodymyr Symanyshyn’s works have been held in Ukraine and abroad. His art is a symbol of the indomitable human spirit and values that inspire — love for Ukraine and for life. Today, he leads a full life: he drives a car, rides a bicycle, paints, and studies at the Volyn Orthodox Theological Academy.
The exhibition of Volodymyr Symanyshyn’s works within the From Battle to Canvas project demonstrates not only the artist’s talent but also his willpower, resilience, and ability to transform trauma into art, inspiring visitors to empathy, reflection, and awareness of collective strength.
