The Virtual Exhibition is part of the ACHIEVE CCS project. It helps respond to the challenges women still face in these sectors, such as the gender pay gap and systemic discrimination. The project also provides opportunities for growth through training, mentorship, and networking.
The exhibition brings together over 60 artworks by artists from France, Greece, Ireland, Turkey, and Ukraine. But beyond the platform, the real story lies in the people behind these works – their experiences, choices, and the realities that shape their creativity.
We’re proud that three Ukrainian artists are represented in this exhibition. Their works are different, but they are united by a shared sense of resilience, meaning, and intention.
Ground through tradition: Alina Olkhova
Alina Olkhova is a Ukrainian designer, embroidery artist, and cultural entrepreneur who combines traditional Ukrainian techniques with contemporary design.
For Alina, creativity is closely tied to emotional resilience. As the wife of a serviceman in the Armed Forces of Ukraine, she lives in the reality of war, but despite all, she takes care of her family and maintains everyday life.
“For me, embroidery is not work – it’s rest. It’s something that saves me in this difficult time.”
Embroidery becomes her way to restore balance. It’s a form of “meditation” that allows her to pause and reconnect with herself.
“In such moments, I gladly immerse myself in my active meditation – embroidery.”
Her works are rooted in traditional Ukrainian techniques, reinterpreted through contemporary design.
Discover Alina’s work on the Virtual Exhibition: https://exhibition.achieveccs.eu/user/alina_olkhova/.
Handmade for Everyday Life: Olha Shulyk
Shulyk Design is a textile brand from Volyn, Ukraine. It specializes in clothing and accessories. Founded and creatively led by Olha Shulyk, the brand combines local heritage with contemporary design, resulting in unique, handcrafted pieces that reflect both tradition and modern style.
For Olha, inspiration begins with personal memory and visual culture.
“My inspiration primarily comes from my personal visual archive – objects made by my grandmothers, old photographs, paintings, and films. My ideas grow out of what resonates with me both as a cultural observer and as a contemporary woman.”
In her work, clothing becomes more than a function. It becomes a form of communication.
“For me, the visual image comes first, and then the function. Clothing is how we begin communicating with others without saying a word. How a person feels in my pieces and how they are perceived by others are closely connected.”
Her participation in the exhibition is also driven by a broader mission. She aims to rethink the role of craftsmanship today.
“Through my creative work and my activity as an entrepreneur, I aim to introduce people to the idea of ‘handmade’ as art for everyday use. I’d like to bring attention back to hand embroidery as something to be worn regularly, not just for special occasions. It’s also important to restore respect for craftsmanship. If there is consistent demand, it can strengthen communities and society as a whole.”
Through Shulyk Design, she creates wearable, meaningful pieces that carry tradition into everyday modern life.
Discover Olha’s work on the Virtual Exhibition: https://exhibition.achieveccs.eu/user/Olha_Shulyk/.
Create calm in uncertain times: Inna Zasykalova
Inna Zasykalova is the founder of a Lutsk-based studio, a playback theatre actress, and the wife of a serviceman in the Armed Forces of Ukraine. In her work, she combines the precision of modern technology with close attention to detail and emotion.
The reality around her shapes her creative direction.
“Because of the war, I find myself drawn to projects that allow people to smile and immerse themselves in a calm, peaceful atmosphere.”
At the same time, her creative process is grounded in structure and clarity.
“I’m a very structured person. For me, planning in my work is about calmness, confidence, and balance. I believe that an idea is just the beginning. You also need to understand not only how to bring it to life, but why it matters and what value it can offer.”
Participating in ACHIEVE CCS became an important step in her professional journey.
“Taking part in an art project like this is another step forward for me as a craftswoman. It’s an opportunity to present my work to a wider audience.”
Her works, including a series of 3D toys created for the Volyn Academic Regional Puppet Theatre, embody this approach. Their designs and meanings bring moments of warmth into everyday life.
Discover Inna’s work on the Virtual Exhibition: https://exhibition.achieveccs.eu/user/inna_zasykalova/.
The ACHIEVE CCS Virtual Exhibition is a reflection of lived experiences.
Through the voices of Alina, Inna, and Olha, we see how art becomes a response to reality. Their works differ in form, but share a common intention – to create meaning and to remain present, even in hard times.
And perhaps this is what makes this exhibition truly powerful. Not only what is shown, but who is speaking through it.
Explore the exhibition and meet the artists: https://exhibition.achieveccs.eu/creative-works/
