The mural “Vinok” was painted during the Winter of 2022, at a time when the plight of Ukraine’s people became a global concern. The hashtag #Art4Ukraine, and the Australian version #Art4UkraineAus, became a driving force for artists all over the world, who donated their time to help draw attention to the cause, and raise money for the humanitarian crisis. “Vinok” is Robyn’s contribution to this global movement.

As a celebration of the Ukrainian people and culture, Robyn painted a woman in the traditional costume, featuring the beautiful vinok flower crown worn by unmarried women, with the customary embroidered clothing and the elaborate beads and jewellery.

In the early days of the war, a Ukrainian pop singer Andriy Khlyvnyuk, released an a capella version of the folk song “Oi yu luzi chervona kalyna” (“Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow”, also known as the “Sich Riflemen Song”). The song spread virally on the internet and was re-recorded by dozens of bands (from Pink Floyd to brass bands and school groups) as a symbol of support for Ukraine’s people. Throughout the Soviet era it was a criminal act to sing the song, so it became a symbol of a resistance. Households would plant Kalyna flowers in their gardens so returning soldiers would know they were home.

Inspired by this song, Robyn painted kalyna flowers in the vinok, and created a graphic pattern of kalyna berries for the background.

The mural was painted in the high country town of Omeo, Victoria, to convey the message that even remote towns in Australia care for the Ukrainian people who are suffering. The model is a woman who lived in the Omeo region for a number of years, which ties the mural to the local community.

Robyn’s mural has raised thousands of dollars for emergency relief and humanitarian aid to Ukraine, via the www.ukrainecrisisappeal.org website, in partnership with Rotary Australia. She is grateful for any contributions you make to this charity.