Helena Arnold 

  A Ukranian Echo  

Mixed media works in acrylic with collage assembly, 1998 - 2000

in the Budgeon’s display case, foyer Richmond Library

415 Church Street, Richmond

  2 December 2025 to 1 March 2026  

Review by Peter Jankowski

Helena Arnold’s work presents a vibrant and heartfelt exploration of her Ukrainian heritage, expressed through bold colour, rhythmic composition, and richly layered collage. Drawing on traditional dancing groups, village motifs, floral embroidery, and Orthodox church imagery, her paintings transform cultural memory into dynamic contemporary forms.

Ukrainian Series No. 2, mixed media, 17 x 21 cm, by Helena Arnold

Ukrainian Series No. 1, mixed media, 30 x 23 cm, by Helena Arnold

The strength of Arnold’s practice lies in her confident use of colour and structure. Vivid purples, reds, yellows, and strong black-and-white contrasts animate the surface, while fragmented shapes interlock to suggest movement and celebration. The collage assembly adds texture and depth, reinforcing the sense of history and layered identity within each piece.

Ukrainian Series No. 4, mixed media, 18 x 20 cm, by Helena Arnold

Ukrainian Series No. 5, mixed media, 13 x 18 cm, by Helena Arnold

Influenced by artists such as Hundertwasser, Kandinsky, and Paul Klee, Arnold demonstrates an inventive approach to composition and symbolism. Her works balance abstraction with recognisable cultural references, resulting in images that feel both expressive and grounded in tradition.

Ukrainian Series No. 3, mixed media, 21 x 24 cm, by Helena Arnold

Ukrainian Series No. 6, mixed media, 30 x 23 cm, by Helena Arnold

Overall, Arnold’s art stands as a spirited and visually compelling tribute to heritage celebratory, imaginative, and confidently executed.