My pal Alex Morris sent us pics of murals & graf from the Ukraine. The first four are all in, and around, Kiev city centre.
“While I were wending me merry away around Kiev I noticed some fancy graffiti and all that. Sending you some of the best over.”
“However, an unexpected work trip arose in September 2021. And so with a day off on Sunday 12th September, we booked into a day tour and headed to the location of the world’s worst nuclear disaster.”
“Chernobyl is a region permanently stuck in the past, that also provides an important message for the future.”
WOW! There it is guys, Chernobyl! Omg, it’s got a mural on it.
“All of which can only lead onto the local town of Pripyat, which was built to house local power plant workers and their families.”
“The mass evacuation of the city was delayed whilst authorities denied the reality of the situation, eventually evacuating the city in a matter of hours.”
“Visitors can only stay in Pripyat for a short while and you’re not allowed to touch anything, otherwise you risk contaminating yourself”.
“In fact, there are radiation checks when you leave the Exclusion Zone to ensure you’ve not done anything stupid.”
“Some people do break into the Exclusion Zone and have to treks for days in the woods to reach Pripyat, which exposes them to a lot of radiation. But some of them may be the ones completing the graffiti. I couldn’t find any details on whether it was allowed by the government or not. But it’s there to behold.”
Photos taken by Alex Morris – September, 2021
Ukraine
Alex’s post on visiting Chernobyl, Pripyat & Kiev is fabulous! Click on over and check it out!
There is no end to taggers on this planet. Yet, somehow it’s comforting to me to know that. Not sure why. Perhaps it speaks to commonality of humanity.
A work of art, yet so far away it’s difficult to make out. Nonetheless it’s neat to see a Kiev street! Interesting parking.
Graffiti Lux Art & More 
This is a fascinating post, particularly the art in Chernobyl. I wouldn’t have expected it there.
Yes, thank you, Liz!
What an honour to have this graf from Ukraine, moreover a shot of Chernobyl with a mural on it.
I’m high as a kite!
You’re welcome, Resa!
Excellent post, Res. Taggers are very determined to tag at Chernobyl. Wow!
LOL! Tim, you can’t keep a rabid tagger down!
Although the art is interesting, as always!
It’s interesting to see murals from other cultures.
Agree!
Never been there, never will. The guy who took these pictures is clearly a moron. Sue him for breach of contract.
Ah!
So… a Moron you say.
We will be suing him for Creach of Bontract.
Bontract? Sounds like a contract made by John Bonham. Merci for this fine post, by the way, glad you like the graffiti!
Love it, dahling!!!!
Thank you so much!!!
G’wan, have some Marmite! Celebrate! You deserve it. xo
Snot a problem. Snot a problem at all. xoxo
Catch a cold?
Bogeys.
Humphrey’s?
Humphs is special, for sure, but I was watching Robert Shaw interviews last night. So I’m thinking more Quint and Hooper.
I’m happy to see taggers and street art everywhere too. The animal murals in the radiation zone are haunting. And how fascinating to know that people sneak in there, possibly to paint. Great share, Resa. Mant thanks to Alex.
Yes, the animal murals are quite haunting. I feel sorry for all wildlife that couldn’t evacuate.
So, if an artist sneaks in, that person must have a message for the few who will ever see it, such as Alex. (and us, now)
Or, I suppose it could be a feather in the cap, just to say you went there. Yet, they stay long enough to actually paint something, and not just leave a graffiti mark.
It might also say something about the economy of the country; that they have tours going there.
Whatever, it is fascinating.
As I read the post, it seemed surreal, a story waiting to be told.
Ahh, as a writer, you would see that. Someone will do the great fiction (based on fact) novel one day. Cripes, now you have me envisioning creatures…part human, part plant and part animal.
Egads!
Ha ha ha. It could go in sooo many directions.
This was spectacular, Resa. I am so amazed anyone would stay around Chernobyl long enough to do a mural. Seems like a risky thing to do. The murals around Kiev are beautiful.
John,
Sorry for my tardiness. I actually don’t know what I’m doing when I blog.
I’m here, I’m there, I’m everywhere! I’m El Kabong!
Yes, Chernobyl is a scary thought, for a visit. Hanging long enough to do a mural is beyond. Yet, as we can see, it has been done.
Alex says Kiev is a happening city. I believe that. When war is in the air, artists are in your hair!
Hahaha. I liked that saying. It is so true.
The murals are beautiful! I’m shocked that there are paintings at Chernobyl. I would love to know who the artist (s) is. xo
Agree! I have no idea who the artists are. If it’s illegal to go there, it would be illegal to paint there.
Some artists would find that irresistible. xoxo
It’s an eerie destination. xoxo
Yes, trust ‘Oron to make the trip. xoxoxo
I’m glad he did. I hope there are no lasting effects from residual radiation. Although, how would we ever know? xo
We can probably tell by the podcasts. xo
lol xoxo
xoxoxo
xoxoxo
I need drawing paper! Heading out tomorrow!
Stores nearby? I hope you got some today. 🧡xo
I’ll get some tomorrow! I intend to buy 2 or 3 The store is in walking distance. Raining today.
Okay, Be safe out there. We don’t walk anywhere around her , except on the beach. Then not alone.
Crazy!!! What’s going on in Miami? Is crime up?
Has it ever been down? xoxo
Oh…lol!!!!! xoxoxo
Of course drawing paper is hard to find in Canada. Canada who has more trees than anyone, except maybe Russia, imports drawing paper. I couldn’t find my go to paper, so bought a new brand imported from Italy.
That’s it! I’m going to route all of my next adventure walks, by art supply stores. I’m going to stock up for the entire winter!
At least we make our own toilet paper. I’ve got an 18 month supply. xoxoxo
I’m glad you got some writing paper, Italian can’t be bad. Good luck out there. I’m not that good at stocking up, I hope I don’t have to
“Borrow”’ toilet paper! xoxoxo
Hahaha! If the shortages happen again, I’ll scalp some of mine.
I know where to go now. Lolol!
Okay… I won’t charge you! You can have a free 12 pack of my fave!
A sigh of relief. I’m running out of Sears Catalogs. Yes, there old.
Ah! I commend you for ardent recycling!
Hmm, perhaps in this case re-purposing is more accurate.
Up-cycling? …. hahahahahaha!!!!!!
You have invented a new word. I love that. xo
That was FANTASTIC. I love all of them. It’s wonderful but SCARY, to be in a place that dangerous. CHERNOBYL it too hot to take a chance, but I suppose that’s the thrill for some of the artists. Beautiful work.
Thanks Gi!
It’s a wonderful thing to show these pics.
This is the first time I can think of; that I saw Chernobyl.
Reblogged this on OPENED HERE >> https:/BOOKS.ESLARN-NET.DE.
Thank you!
Thats so wonderful, and within all the difference every piece is beautiful meeting the environment.I would have fear to stay in Pripyat, only for some hours. I hope the artist has taken enough security. Thanks for sharing, Resa! Have a nice weekend! xx Michael
Thank you so much Michael!
I hope the artists took precautions, as well!
I still can’t get to your blog from any links. I think I can see your posts in the Reader.
xo
Wow, they are fantastic 💙💙
Agree! It is an interesting trip my friend went on! 💙💙
Perhaps, ‘Perhaps it speaks to commonality of humanity’ says it all. Most enjoyable. Regards, TOF
Where am I?
TOF, I think I am in the “perhaps” part.
I’m all over the place. When, where, what etc…
Ah, yes, enjoyable. Thank you! I am back on earth.
Art has no limit and borders! Great post, dear Resa. Thanks 🤗🙏💖
You are right, my friend! Art is limitless. xoxoxoxo
Resa, oh wow. I love these, especially the somersaulting young person. Thanks for sharing. Keith
You are welcome, Keith! It’s been quite the experience just sharing these. I can’t thank Alex enough!
Perhaps the radiation as made the animal population super creative and they are painting the murals with paints left behind from the evacuees!
LOL!!! Who knows? Radiation is a dangerous, and all its effects are mysterious to me.
Wow! Thanks for sharing this, Resa! Those Kiev murals are beautiful, and murals in Chernobyl?? Crazy wild!
Agree! I’m quite honoured that Alex shared these with me! It’s very insightful!
What a fascinating post! And the site of Chernobyl is scary, isn’t it…
Best wishes, and stay safe, dear Resa!
Chernobyl is a horror story. So sorry for the tardy reply! xx
The detail in this artwork is incredible, Resa.
Yes, and scary that artists go to this extent.
I feel like a rebel just being a part of the art community.
I wish I was part of the art community.
You are part of the art community. You write, you recite and blog. I’ll bet you do other creative things, as well. Art is not relegated to drawing or painting. Sculpture, music, dance, creative cooking, baking, decorating, design in all of its forms, writing books, poems or plays, etc!
Isn’t it wonderful to be part of the arts?
I enjoyed seeing the murals from a different perspective.
A walk through the history in Chenorbyl with paint.
Stay Safe 😷 Isadora 😎
Agree! “A walk through history” says a lot.
TY Isadora !
😷 xoxo
That girl on a ball has been there for quite some time, maybe it is from pre-catastrophic times, but I don’t know. There is a picture of it on Wikimedia Commons from 2013: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Chornobyl_DSC_0319_34.JPG
Interesting. Thank you!
But the disaster was in 1986… 27 years prior.
I doubt it was pre melt down.
You are right, it probably would not have survived so long.
It would be hard to believe. Only the artist could answer this.
Also, adding the years from 2013 to 2021 is 8 more years. That would make it 35 years old. I do not buy that!
Resa – third time around to view these remarkable photos. Please relay my thanks to your pal, Alex Morris – brilliant captures.. As well, thanks for the introduction to his blog. I remember the day and where I was when I I found out that Chernobyl happened. At the time I felt that it was the most frightening event that had happened during my life-time. I remember feeling that it was a foreshadowing of what would come. April 26, 1986. I just read an interesting article that said that “Trees and other kinds of vegetation have proven to be remarkable resilient to the intense radiation around the nuclear disaster zone.” Life art, life will find a way. https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190701-why-plants-survived-chernobyls-deadly-radiation
I remember the Chernobyl insanity, too. It was frightening. I read the same thing about plants. I’ll check out your link, as it could be a different source.
It’s fab that Alex sent these to us. We need not to forget. These photos are a grim reminder, through art.
Alex is a dear. I only hope he’s not glowing in the dark!
What does it speak to, that there are tourist tours to Chernobyl?
{{HUGS}}
PS I found that mural today!
The artists and their art make the sad place different. Thank you for showing a place I had always imagined in greys.
All of these are so beautiful, Resa, and the history brings chills. I’m happy to see artwork anywhere, too. xo
Thank you, Lauren!
Yes, it was a scary time. Hey, it’s scary now.
BTW… loved the review in Diana’s blog!
Your book is safely in my E reader! xoxoxo
You’re welcome, Resa, and good point about scary times now. And thanks regarding Diana’s review. I am thrilled! I’ve also been asked to do some wonderful interviews, and one is posted on my blog. The other will come next week. It’s been an exciting adventure and thank you SO much for your support. I hope you enjoy the book. Hugs! xo
Hugs! xo
This is heart wrenching and beautiful and extraordinary and touching and poignant and . . well it’s the definition of humanity, in all its many forms.
Yes, it is!
I’m thrilled to have presented this art!
Oh, this really is amazing and terrifying at the same time. I was at the last year of school when it happened. It was frightening and I remember -rather naively- right from the first day, not buying any veggies or fruits. Naively because we ate al the radiation many months later without knowing! Kudos to Alex for such a great job photographing all these beautiful murals and hugs to you for posting them!!!!!
xoxoxoxoxoxo
Agree! It is amazing! I can never thank Alex enough.
I remember not buying these fruit juices I loved. They were from the Ukraine. There were some special flavours…cherry juice, black current, apricot and more. I’ve never bought them since.
I only hope Alex isn’t glowing in the dark. He a dear heart!
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Oh, I’m sure he wasn’t among those who didn’t follow advise!
🧡🌻🤗😘😘😘😘😘😘
🧡🌻🤗😘😘😘😘😘😘🧡🌻🤗😘😘😘😘😘😘
🧡🌻🧡🌻🧡🌻🧡
That is just nuts, I say. I would hesitate and then hesitate some more before visitng Chernobyl or Pripyat, I tell you. That people sneak in is just mind-boggling. That people have chosen to risk their lives to show their art is a testament to the need to share their art.
This is amazing!
I don’t even want to visit the Ukraine.
Art is a powerful motivation, for some.
It keeps me going, and not just painted, but music, dance, sculpture, cooking et al!
Neither do I, frankly. Mind you, I hear some parts are rather beautiful. Art is powerful. All forms of art are acceptable 😀
Hey, I’ll bet there’s a lot of Thunder at Chernobyl!
Hah! I bet!
The Kiev murals are true symbol such the man cutting the snake or the helpful hand coming from the highest.
Chernobyl was a disaster not knowing the frontiers !
The murals express well the philosophy of the authors;
Love ❤
Michel
Agree, the Kiev murals hold much meaning.
It was brave of my friend to go to Chernobyl. I am glad to have tis art!
❤ Resa xx
Yourself and other artists and countless others are deeply interested in the happenings
around their home and the world! We can’t helped it. Near or far it effects us one
way or another.
Incredible renditions leave the heart and mind with thoughts to ponder.
always interesting here Resa, love, Eddie
Thank you, Eddie!
I am a bit addicted to the arts!
Someone said “Make art not war”
I go with that! Sending love!
impressive. 🙏🏻
Yeah!!
So I saw your comment on Art Gowns. I have just set up the new Art Gown, and will begin photography tomorrow. She will be on display in about 10 days! xoxo
10 days? Ok. It is a lengthy process, right? How long does making the gown take? varies, I imagine.
3 months is the fastest I’ve ever made a gown. Normally 5, 6 months. (I sew them by hand…no machine sewing) I’m so excited. I’ve been shooting the new gown. I have a Hallowe’en post going up in a couple of days (on GLAM).
I’m thinking the new Art Gown will go up a few days after that. xoxo
It’s a long term job. Compliments.