Ukrainian Artist Alyona Rieznichek: "Switzerland Is Where I Chose to Truly Become an Artist"

Iryna Mykhalkiv-Vynnyk

Member of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine

This article was prepared with editorial support from the UAinfo team.

When Russia's full-scale invasion forced Alyona Rieznichek to leave Ukraine in 2022, she arrived in Switzerland with a degree in veterinary medicine and a calling that had been waiting to be fully realised for years.

Her artistic journey had begun much earlier. As a teenager, she attended an art school in Ukraine's Zaporizhzhia region, where she studied drawing, painting, sculpture and art history. In 2017, she also completed the Museum of Modern Art's (MoMA) online course Abstract Painting After World War II. Yet it was only after rebuilding her life in a new country, surrounded by uncertainty and an unfamiliar language, that art became her full-time profession.

Today, Alyona has participated in more than ten exhibitions across Switzerland, held a solo exhibition in Morges during the Tulip Festival, and launched her own project, Surrounded by Beauty — an exhibition in Lausanne bringing together four Ukrainian women artists.

We spoke with Alyona about her journey from veterinary medicine to professional art, the healing power of botanical motifs, finding her place in Switzerland's artistic community, and how she sees the role of Ukrainian artists abroad.

From Veterinary Medicine to Art

You studied veterinary medicine at Dnipro State Agrarian University. At the same time, you attended an art school from an early age and later completed MoMA's course on abstract painting. When did you realise that art was more than just a hobby — that it was your true calling?

Answering this question is not easy because the path from recognising your calling to making life-changing decisions is rarely straightforward. It is shaped by waves of uncertainty, attempts, doubts and mistakes. In my life, those turning points often came alongside difficult experiences.

It was here in Switzerland that I made one of the most conscious decisions of my life: to pursue my dream of becoming an independent artist — independent in my creativity, my professional status and my financial future.

Participants in a creative workshop.

Photo: Courtesy of Alyona Rieznichek's personal archive. Provided to the UAinfo editorial team.

Art as a Source of Strength After Moving to Switzerland

Shortly after arriving in Switzerland in 2022, you joined the Chrysalis association as a facilitator of creative art practices, helping Ukrainians through art-based psychological support. What did that experience mean to you?

It meant a great deal to me. From my very first months in a new country, I had meaningful work that gave me purpose and helped me stay grounded. Over time, I found myself surrounded by wonderful people — both colleagues and participants. Many of them have remained close friends, and we still keep in touch today.

Finding My Place in Switzerland's Art Community

Flowers and botanical motifs appear throughout your work. What do they represent for you personally?

Botanical themes became my way of healing and restoring inner balance after the outbreak of the war. In a world overwhelmed by tragedy and destruction, flowers became my message of joy, beauty and hope. That is exactly what I want to share with other people through my art.

Was it difficult to find your place within Switzerland's art community and build relationships with local artists?

One of the greatest gifts Switzerland has given me has been the people I have met here. I have had the opportunity to connect with many Swiss artists, participate in group exhibitions, attend cultural events and support fellow creatives. I truly believe that professional relationships and mutual support are essential for every artist.

At the moment, I am also working on a new project together with Swiss collage artist José Gaggio, and we hope to involve several Ukrainian women artists as well.

Scenes from a creative event and the exhibition of Alyona Rieznichek's artworks.

Photo: Courtesy of Alyona Rieznichek's personal archive. Provided to the UAinfo editorial team.

The Exhibition Surrounded by Beauty and Supporting Ukrainian Women Artists

Over the past three years, you have taken part in more than ten exhibitions across Switzerland, and this year you also held a solo exhibition in Morges. How did the idea of organising an exhibition featuring Ukrainian women artists in Lausanne come about?

Over the past three years, I have participated in more than ten exhibitions in Switzerland. Earlier this year, I held my first solo exhibition in Morges with the support of the local Office of Culture as part of the Tulip Festival. My next major solo exhibition is already scheduled for later this year.

At a certain point, I realised that I wanted not only to develop my own artistic career but also to support other Ukrainian artists. My dream became to help promote Ukrainian art and create opportunities for fellow artists who, like me, have had to start a new chapter of their lives in Switzerland.

This vision led to the exhibition Surrounded by Beauty, held at Espace Artistique DémArt in Lausanne from 1 to 5 July. The exhibition brought together four Ukrainian women artists — yourself, Nataliia Kolesnyk, Olha Labunska and Olha Sabadyn. What was the main idea behind this project?

Through figurative painting, each of us shares a personal story of transformation, resilience and the determination to continue our artistic journey despite the challenges we have faced.

The exhibition is about the strength of artistic vocation, the beauty of the world around us and the presence of women in contemporary art.

How did Swiss audiences respond to the exhibition?

The exhibition became one of the highlights of the cultural programme in the Canton of Vaud. Visitors travelled not only from across the canton but also from other parts of Switzerland and neighbouring France.

Around fifty guests attended the opening evening, and we received an overwhelmingly warm response from the audience.

During the exhibition, we also organised two creative workshops for children and two for adults. These activities brought new energy into the exhibition space, encouraged interaction and attracted many additional visitors.

One of Alyona Rieznichek's works from her botanical series.

Photo: Courtesy of Alyona Rieznichek's personal archive. Provided to the UAinfo editorial team.

Promoting Ukrainian Art Abroad

People often say that Ukrainian artists living abroad have a responsibility to promote Ukrainian culture. How do you see that mission?

For me, promoting Ukrainian art means making it accessible, understandable and engaging for local audiences. That is exactly what I strive to do through my work.

At the same time, I do not believe that art should become an instrument of propaganda. In Switzerland, it is essential to be part of the professional community, to build trust, respect local standards and maintain a high level of professionalism. That is the foundation on which I have chosen to build my career.

What advice would you give to Ukrainian artists who are only beginning their journey in a new country?

First of all, be proactive. Look for opportunities, meet people, build professional connections, attend exhibitions and invest in your reputation.

Today, being an artist is about much more than creating paintings. It also means developing a personal brand, communicating your ideas, organising exhibitions, participating in artistic projects and continuously learning new skills.

Most importantly, never stop creating. Keep searching for your own artistic voice and stay true to what inspires you.

Editor's Note

Alyona Rieznichek's story shows how art can become much more than a profession. It can offer stability in times of uncertainty, create new connections and open doors to entirely new opportunities.

Through her own artistic practice, collaborative projects and support for fellow Ukrainian artists, Alyona continues to introduce Ukrainian contemporary art to Swiss audiences while helping build meaningful cultural dialogue between the two countries.