On August 4, 2022, the official presentation of an exhibition of paintings by a talented autistic boy, Maxim Brovchenko from Berdyansk, who has already been called a little “Ukrainian Picasso” by the Ukrainian media, took place. At 12:30 in the art gallery space in Zaporizhzhya Regional Library for Children “Yuniy Chitach” young and adult guests were able not only to feel the majesty of space and endless love for all living beings that penetrated all the works of the little artist but also to communicate with the author and his mother Oksana.
Maxim Brovchenko told about his paintings and his ideology, which amazed the visitors. According to the boy, the universe is a vital organism that should be protected and loved. So far, the little artist is most hurt by the war in Ukraine, the deaths of innocent people, and the erasure of cities from the face of the earth. Maksim’s mother miraculously escaped from their native Berdyansk, which was occupied by russia, but the boy sincerely believes in a speedy victory for Ukraine and a return home.
The artist introduced the inhabitants of Planet A, a wise, kind, and high-tech civilization, and explained why they never make war:
“Planet A doesn’t know what war is because it spends all its energy developing technology. If the Earthlings do the same, one day we will be friends.”
The fascinating story by Maksym Brovchenko and the author’s interaction with the guests were accompanied by performances by young musicians from children’s music schools No 2 and No 3 of Zaporizhzhya, led by Olga Yevdokimova, who played and sang Ukrainian patriotic songs. After the presentation, the children enjoyed a fun program and sweet gifts from Santis Charitable Foundation.
Besides children and parents, the presentation was also attended by numerous representatives of NGOs, the media, and the State Emergency Service, who had just the day before awarded Maksym with an honorary diploma for his help. Honored Artist of Ukraine Oleg Grigoriev and director of the Regional Art Museum Inga Yankovich visited the event and expressed their admiration.
Director of Zaporizhzhia Regional Library for Children “Yuniy Chitach” Larisa Danilova, who introduced Maksym Brovchenko to the audience, commented on the exhibition: “Everything went great. Max is superb, a very talented boy. At first, television and journalists upset the boy a little with flashes of cameras. Still, then he began to communicate, talk about the paintings, and the book, and finally sang “Chervona Kalina” with everyone. The child’s work is amazing – both cosmic and patriotic”.
Inna Sergienko, the founder of the Foundation for Children with Autism Syndrome “Child with Future”, who has been patronizing Maksym’s talent for several years, shared her pride for the boy and sincere gratitude for the opportunity to hold the exhibition:
” Maksym is one of the most talented and kindest children I know. So I’m sure the boy’s dream of a victory for Ukraine and a return to a free Berdyansk will come true for sure. We all believe that. We are also convinced that the talent of this incredible child should be appreciated by millions of people at home and abroad not only aesthetically, but also morally. Because Maksym’s paintings are full of love, compassion, tolerance, and respect – everything Ukraine is fighting for. Taking the opportunity, the “Child with Future” Foundation expresses its sincere gratitude to the management of Zaporizhzhia Regional Library for Children “Yunyi Chitach” for the exhibition and for giving everyone the opportunity to get acquainted with Maksym Brovchenko’s art.
Recall that the exhibition of Maksym Brovchenko’s paintings was launched on July 28, 2022, on the Day of Ukrainian Statehood and will run until August 28, 2022. You can visit the exhibition of 23 paintings every day from 10:00 to 16:00, except Saturday and Sunday at 14, Valery Lobanovsky St., Zaporizhzhya. Free entrance to the exhibition.
