Alena Bezushko is a Ukrainian sculptor and one of this year’s Arts Open awardees. Based in North Lanarkshire, she works with ceramic, wood and metal to explore themes of identity, isolation, stagnation, uncertainty and loss. 

Alena started her career as an architect, graduating from Lviv Polytechnic in Ukraine, and is now completing an Art and Design BA at Forth Valley College. 

Her deeply personal exhibition reflects on the real-life journeys that many Ukrainians and others seeking safety face. We caught up with her to find out more.  

Why did you want to be involved with Refugee Festival Scotland? 

I want to help other refugees reflect on their feelings and find a way to heal. This festival is the perfect place to make hidden, important emotions visible and heard. It gives us a safe space to share our stories and connect with our new community. 

What drew you to working with sculpture and ceramics?  

I love sculpture because it allows me to speak metaphorically when words are not enough. Because of the language barrier, art is the main language I use to express my deepest emotions.  

Sculpture and abstract art are very specific and interesting to me because they act like visual poetry that conveys deep emotions. I am inspired by nature and raw materials — steel, rusted metal, wood, and clay invite me to play with them, experiment with forms, and explore their capabilities.  

You describe your work as exploring identity, trauma, and this new chapter in your life. How has being forced to leave Ukraine and start again in Scotland impacted your work? 

Leaving Ukraine was a very hard experience. I felt like I lost my identity and was not myself anymore. It is like uprooting an old tree and putting it into completely new soil — the tree suffers deeply, and it is hard to survive such a shock. My art now reflects this painful process of trying to take root and rebuild my life in Scotland. I think my art has changed and became more powerful and dramatic.  

What can people expect to see at your exhibition?  

People will see three different, powerful projects that together tell a complete story. Visitors will experience my sculptural installation “The Odyssey: A Journey to the Self,” a ceramic story called “Ego’s Frame,” and a conceptual art story titled “Transformation.” Through materials like clay, metal, wood and light, these projects explore the psychological journey of confronting trauma and finding the resilience to endure. 

What has this project meant to you?  

This project is deeply personal and symbolic for me, as it has been a way to express my deepest feelings and heal both my body and soul through art. Because this is my very first exhibition, it gives me a powerful feeling that I can bring something beautiful and meaningful into the world. Through this project I can communicate with new people, it is like a bridge connecting me with my new home here in Scotland. 

What do you hope audiences will get from it?  

I hope the audience will feel a deep human connection and empathy when they look at my work. I want them to understand that behind the word “refugee” are real people with deep stories, pain, and hope. I hope it can inspire us to break down barriers and build a kinder, shared future. 

The Odyssey: A Journey to the Self will be exhibited at Civic House in Glasgow from 17-21 June. Find out more.  

Refugee Festival Scotland 2026 is made possible with support from the National Lottery through Creative Scotland.