Moscow, Russia – Paintings, poetry and people – this was the magic formula for an enchanting evening on February 22, 2025, hosted by the Moscow office of UPF-Russia as the closing ceremony of a nationwide exhibition, "Everything Begins with Love," organized by the International Association of Arts and Culture for Peace (IAACP).
Ms. Tatiana Kuznetsova, the coordinator of IAACP, served as the evening's host. In her opening remarks she reminded everyone that creativity is the power to move people by giving shape to invisible thoughts and feelings in the form of art.
The exhibition provided a space for profound reflection on the theme of love, invoking inspiration and deep emotions. Each painting was accompanied by a poem, either written or carefully selected by the artist, and included in the exhibition catalog. The exhibition demonstrated that art knows no boundaries: a painter can be a poet, and a poet can be a painter.
Artist Ms. Natalia Naumova presented two portraits of her children, symbolizing that love primarily manifests within the family. She highlighted the importance of preserving family values and passing them on through art.
Mr. Konstantin Krylov, secretary general of UPF-Eurasia, explained that the exhibition’s title originated in a line from Russian poet Robert Rozhdestvensky, "Everything begins with love," which carries a deep meaning. He noted that these words complement the biblical verse, "In the beginning was the Word," as love itself is the driving force of life and the foundation of human existence.
Ms. Svetlana Savitskaya, prolific writer and founder of the Golden Pen of Russia National Literary Award, shared her thoughts on how words and art have the power to create and inspire. She emphasized that literature, poetry, and painting have always been inextricably linked, and this exhibition was a vivid example of that unity.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of Ambassador for Peace certificates to outstanding cultural and artistic figures. Mr. Dmitry Samko, head of UPF-Moscow, presented this honor to Ms. Oksana Buryakova, a member of the Union of Artists of Russia whose works have appeared in numerous exhibitions, including solo art shows; Ms. Olga Namestnikova, vice president of the Princely Council, educator, and long-time director of a music school; and Mr. Andrey Alexandrovich Tyunyaev, a Russian writer, poet, journalist and academician of the Russian Academy of Natural Sciences.
The closing ceremony was accompanied by musical performances, creating an atmosphere of harmony and beauty. Ms. Kuznetsova concluded the event with words of gratitude to all participants, emphasizing that art continues its mission beyond the exhibition hall, and that love is what inspires, unites, and fills every work of art with meaning.
