![[Art NOT War] Natalia Lisova: They are sketches in a bomb shelter, as a way of self-control, as an intention to be aware of what is happening](https://media.iqads.ro/2022/03/natalia-lisova-1-cover-850.jpg)
Before the beginning of war, Natalia Lisova drew portraits, went to exhibitions, ballet and theatre. One February morning she heard the bombs that changed everything and made the life lived untill then just a memory. Because she wanted to talk about the reality from Ukraine from her own perspective, Natalia accepted the invitation to participate in the Bombs and People exhibition, hosted by Celula de Artă and Carol 53 which can be visited until April 2. The Ukrainian artist hopes that her art will awaken in people searches to which they will return in the future.
My view of my own work has changed. It has grown from my own need to a public need. I have hardly found time to adequately answer these questions, but hopefully in the near future there will be time and peace for a full-scale art project.
Part of the proceeds from the exhibition will be donated to the causes that support the refugee crisis and people are encouraged to also bring donations in forms of useful products for the refugees. In her works, Natalia illustrates what living in a bomb shelter looks like.From the midst of the chaos, she took the time to answer a few questions about how the way you look at your own art changes when it talks about the war which happens in the place you call home.
Your creative journey
My creative journey began with my love of art, because this field gives me the opportunity to express what is difficult to say. From drawing to interacting with the landscape, I came to land art and performance art. Today I am researching Ukrainian land art and writing my dissertation about it.
How did the news of the war found you
I found out about the war at dawn when I heard the explosions. Before that, I was in post graduate school, writing articles, drawing portraits, attending exhibitions, ballet and theater. What happened was expected, I hoped that it would not last and at the time I could not think of such global consequences. From the first days I read all the news I could find, but I no longer read, now I see it for myself.
Outlook on life
My outlook on life hasn't changed much, I've always known what's important in this world and that nothing is everlasting, everything passes. But now my society needs peace.
The Bombs and People exhibition
I received an invitation to participate in the exhibition "Bombs and People". At first such an offer seemed inappropriate, but then I realized how important it was to highlight what was going on.
Your works for the exhibition
My work was not created specifically for the exhibition "Bombs and People - Artists United Against War. They are sketches in a bomb shelter, as a way of self-control, as an intention to be aware of what is happening. In this situation, photo-fixation is immoral for me, but drawing is a way of purification, of letting oneself pass through.
What would you like for people to feel
I would like people who come across my art to feel something that could also affect them in the future if they remain indifferent today. We haven't conquered anyone - we are ordinary people who want to live in this beautiful world with the people they love on their land.
Help for the refugees
What impressed me most about the people was that they were quick to help refugees and thus save thousands of people from death.
Art as a way of coping
I think art has always helped us and is helping us to live. Otherwise, what is it for?
How do you look at your own work now
Yes my view of my own work has changed. It has grown from my own need to a public need. I have hardly found time to adequately answer these questions, but hopefully in the near future there will be time and peace for a full-scale art project.
The Ukrainian artist community
The Ukrainian community of artists is still at war, but those artists who have gone to safety are creating creative reflections on what is happening.
Needed donations
I recommend that people bring their own medicine, sleeping bags, blankets, pillows, underwear ..
Thank you all very much!
