Resilience, Pride and Protection by Dillon Lew’chuk
As part of the 2025 STEPS Public Art Residency and in partnership with the Victoria Arts Council, queer and (dis)abled Canadian-Ukrainian artist Dillon Lew’chuk brings his first public art mural to life at the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Victoria, British Columbia.
Project at a glance
Location: Ukrainian Cultural Centre (3277 Douglas St, Victoria, British Columbia)
Artists: Dillon Lew’chuck
Documentarians: Mike Mclean
Year: 2025
Services: Artist Capacity Building
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artist-in-residence
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public art mural
About Resilience, Pride and Protection by Dillon Lew’chuk
Resilience, Pride and Protection is a new mural by artist Dillon Lew’chuk inspired by his Canadian-Ukrainian heritage and Vyshyvanka (the traditional Ukrainian art of cross-stitch embroidery on white linen). Animating the exterior wall of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre in Victoria, British Columbia, this is Dillon Lew’chuk’s first-ever public art mural that reimagines Vyshyvanka in a contemporary context.
“I learnt a lot about public art and the behind-the-scenes with contracts/negotiating and specific things to think about when making art and presenting art in public spaces. As an artist, I got a lot of attention in my community and built foundational relationships as a community member and as a local artist.”
The yellow and blue palette of Resilience, Pride and Protection is representative of the Ukrainian flag and national pride. Sacred patterns and symbols can be found throughout, including the Povna Rozha (Mallow Flower or Eight-Pointed Star) that symbolizes life force and balance, as well as the visible “X” cross-stitch that symbolizes protection against harm.
With the support of STEPS Public Art, Victoria Arts Council, and the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, an unveiling was hosted on Vyshyvanka Day (May 15, 2025) with special remarks by Dillon Lew’chuk and community partners.
“Working with STEPS taught us to be more bold in placemaking and community liaising. The project went exceptionally well (deliverables met on time and on budget). The community reaction has been outstanding!”
Artist Statement
Ukrainian Vyshyvanka, the traditional art of cross-stitch embroidery on white linen, carries meaning far beyond decoration. Each pattern encodes generations of symbolism–offering protection, expressing hope, and affirming cultural identity. Worn with pride, Vyshyvanka garments are emblems of heritage and resistance, linking the past to the present.
This mural reimagines Vyshyvanka in a contemporary context, transforming its sacred patterns into public art. Installed on the walls of the Ukrainian Cultural Centre, the work celebrates the continuity of tradition in a time of profound challenge. At its core is the iconic “X” of the cross-stitch–believed to shield against harm and amplify positive energy.
Central to the mural is the Povna Rozha (Mallow Flower or Eight-Pointed Star), a powerful symbol of life force and balance. Surrounding it are Klyuchi (Keys), motifs said to guard against negative influences. The vivid yellow and blue palette echoes the Ukrainian flag, uniting ancient motifs with national pride.
Together, these elements form a visual language of strength, survival, and sovereignty. This mural stands as a tribute to the resilience of Ukraine and the enduring power of cultural expression. As a final act of dedication, the artist wrote a letter to his Ukrainian ancestors asking for protection over the building–then burned the letter and mixed its ashes into the paint, sealing their blessing into the walls themselves.
About the Artist
Dillon Lew'chuk
Dillon Lew’chuk (he/him) is a queer, (dis)abled, Canadian-Ukrainian artist based on Vancouver Island, currently residing on the unceded land of the Songhees and Esquimalt Nations, the Lək̓ʷəŋən-speaking people (Victoria, B.C.). From 2014 to 2024, Dillon worked under the artist pseudonym Ryan O’Lewis as a response to discrimination. Working across painting, installation, textiles, and public art, Dillon explores resilience, cultural reclamation, and taking up space. His work bridges ancestral traditions with contemporary social commentary, challenging dominant narratives that attempt to erase marginalized voices while advocating for visibility.
Partners
With additional support from the Ukrainian Cultural Centre and Pacific Paint Centre.
Funders
The 2025 STEPS Public Art Residency is made possible by support from TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment.
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