Translated and edited by Voices of Ukraine
Source: http://postcardsfrommaidan.org/post/81300927243

Postcards from Maidan is an art initiative that helps facilitate the psychological rehabilitation and physical recovery of patients. Artists visit the wounded and use drawings as a storytelling mechanism of Maidan. The wounded are later presented with the drawings. This is the story of one Maidan protester.

Oleh L.

Marine Corps Colonel, the city of Brody in Lviv oblast [region]

“I am a Marine Corps Colonel. I also participated in the 2004 [Orange Revolution].

I have been on Maidan since January 14, 2014. My wife passed away, and that is why I came to Maidan, because I was alone. 

So, it was necessary and had to happen that way. All those who came first, were ready to stand there to [their] deaths.  There was no other alternative.

I was on Instytutska Street on February 18. Snipers were shooting there, at peoples’ legs. 

During the battle I thought: “Ah, it will pass on its own.” And then there was inflammation, and my legs became like steel boots. I had to return to the Trade Unions House, the fights were everywhere around [me], and Berkut [riot police] were throwing grenades.  

The Trade Unions House was burnt down, but I wanted to sleep. I went to the conservatory, started knocking on the door, and they were yelling at me: “Grandpa, what are you doing?” I responded: “I want to sleep.” And they said: “War is everywhere.” Why should I fight, I need to sleep.  

Of course, it’s terrifying. And who is not scared? In combat it’s always scary.  

When they brought me to the hospital, I thought that I was going to die here, since I have nowhere else to go. My feet were so huge, they are much smaller now. I am getting better, the doctors are amazed. 

30 people went missing every night. It would be nice if all of this stopped happening. Of course, what would happen then?” 

Artist Nataliya Shulga talked to Oleh at Oleksandriv hospital. She made a portrait of the protester on site as her gift to him:

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Postcards from Maidan is an art initiative that helps bring support through truthful images of Ukrainian protests in different regions of the country, and also tells the stories of people who suffered during events on Maidan this winter in Kyiv.

The project consists of two elements:

#postcards from maidan
The Postcards Project contains a series of cards based on works of contemporary artists. Artists who participated in protests on Maidan create works reflecting on the events and as a message to fellow citizens. These cards may serve as support and a means to bring the spirit of protest to one’s relatives and friends in any part of Ukraine or the world. They are distributed on Maidan and available to everyone for free download in a format suitable for printing.

#stories from maidan
In The Stories Project, contemporary artists visit hospitals, talk to people [protesters/activists] and work on an artistic embodiment of their stories from Maidan. Activists receive these works as gifts by which to remember the events. This project is documented; the stories may later be used by various media. Through social networks, with the help of journalists, volunteers and the project’s website, organizers of this project help to recover lost contacts and enable protesters to learn about each other.

Postcards from Maidan was founded by Kadygrob_Taylor Platform for Contemporary Art, an independent non-profit. Source: http://postcardsfrommaidan.org/about