Oleg Andreyev
Self-portrait for Let’s Talk Durham
Ukrainian illustrator based in Odessa, Oleg Andreyev, gave us this interview straight from the heart:
Where were you on February 24th, when the war started?
My wife and I were asleep in Odessa. It’s hard to hear outside noise in our building and so we missed the sounds of 5am bombing. Around 10am my phone started to explode with messages about the Russian invasion.
What has changed in you, and what remains the same?
What’s new is the strong feeling of unity among Ukrainians. The unity is among everyone: those who stayed, those that left, the poor, the rich, the soldiers on the front, the volunteers in our cities. Those that have given their last dollar to the army, even those who are rescuing pets, all of them are playing a role in unified effort. Proudly, we have outdone ourselves, even in comparison with the Maidan protests in 2013-2014, which we didn’t think was possible.
What remained? My job. And I have never been so happy to pay taxes! I am also happy to still have an opportunity to donate to local charities.
Out of your illustrations, which one is your favorite and why?
“Ukraine Resist” (see below). I wouldn’t say it’s my best work visually, but it’s so timely. So many around the world shared it on their Facebook and Twitter accounts. It even flew to North Carolina to a local charity event for Ukraine. Originally, it was an illustration for my good friend’s Twitter cover. He is a videographer and photographer who is currently fighting Russians near Kyiv.
What music are you listening to now?
Same as before the war- British and American guitar music from the 70s onward. Cannot stop listening to IDLES right now. The music perfectly reflects the anger and frustration we feel when we see what Russians are doing to our people and cities. We don’t even need news. All of us have relatives and friends everywhere- we are all well informed. I also listen to Eastern European music and Ukrainian folk music. I play folk music in a band. I cannot wait to celebrate our victory with loud concerts with brass, drums, dancing, and wine in the bars of Odessa.
Victory is_______.
Victory is ALREADY OURS. Now that the world realizes that our people are united, that our courageous military won’t back down, despite its shortages, we are already victorious. Once thought of as the “world’s second strongest army” it is grossly apparent that the Russian military is just bunch of marauders, thieves and rapists, only capable of slaughtering innocent civilians through bombing schools and hospitals.
Victory will be complete when Ukraine’s stolen lands are returned, and Russia pays reparations for every murdered person and every demolished building since 2013.
Special Thanks to Ippy Patterson for sponsoring this post.
