• As the new year of 2026 arrives, artists from regions affected by conflict are expressing their hopes and fears for the future.
  • Nastasiia Shapoval, an artist from Ukraine, shared her perspective on the instability that has defined life since the Russian invasion began.
  • She describes a life turned upside down, with little hope of returning to the 'happy years' of the past.When asked for her wish for the new year, Shapoval requested a return to true normalcy, distinct from idealized versions seen on social media.
  • Her definition of peace involves a life without the constant threat of sirens, the need for shelters, or the loss of life.

Quick Summary

As 2026 begins, artists from conflict zones are voicing their desires for the future. Nastasiia Shapoval, a Ukrainian artist, described her life as unstable since the Russian invasion. She expressed that she does not see a horizon where she can return to the 'happy years' of the past.

Shapoval's primary wish for the new year is a return to normalcy. She emphasized that this should not be an idealized version of life, but a genuine reality. Her vision of a peaceful future is one free from the sounds of sirens, the necessity of shelters, and the occurrence of deaths.

The Reality of Life in 2026

For many artists living in war-torn regions, the arrival of a new year does not automatically signal a fresh start. Nastasiia Shapoval finds it difficult to maintain an optimistic outlook for 2026. Since the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, she has characterized her existence as being in constant motion and fundamentally unstable.

Shapoval noted that her life, along with the lives of many others, has been completely overturned. She conveyed that she is unable to envision a path back to the stability of previous years. This sense of uncertainty hangs over the daily lives of those in affected areas, making the concept of a 'new year' feel disconnected from the reality of their situation.

Volver a la normalidad. Pero no una idealizada, como la que nos vende Instagram, sino una de verdad. Una sin sirenas que suenen, ni refugios ni muertes.
— Nastasiia Shapoval, Artist

Defining True Peace 🕊️

When Shapoval considered what she would ask for if granted a single wish for 2026, her request was specific and grounded in reality. She stated clearly that she would ask to 'Volver a la normalidad'—to return to normality.

However, she distinguished this desire from the curated reality often presented on social media platforms like Instagram. Shapoval rejected the concept of an 'idealized' normality. Instead, she defined true normalcy as a life characterized by safety. Specifically, she described a reality where there are no sirens sounding, no need to seek out shelters, and no deaths occurring.

Global Artistic Voices

Shapoval's sentiments are part of a larger chorus of voices from the artistic community worldwide. As the calendar turns to 2026, creators from various backgrounds are using their platforms to express their hopes for peace and stability.

The desire to move beyond conflict and return to a life free from fear is a common theme. Artists serve as witnesses to the times in which they live, and their expressions often reflect the collective consciousness of their communities. Shapoval's interview highlights the personal toll of geopolitical conflict on individual lives and creative spirits.

Conclusion

The start of 2026 brings a moment to reflect on the state of the world. For artists like Nastasiia Shapoval, the new year represents not just the passage of time, but a continuation of the struggle for survival and normalcy. Her words serve as a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict.

Ultimately, the wish for a year without sirens or shelters is a fundamental human right. As the year progresses, the voices of those in conflict zones will undoubtedly continue to call for the peace and stability they so deeply crave.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main concern for artists in conflict zones in 2026?

Artists like Nastasiia Shapoval express deep concern over instability and the inability to return to a peaceful, normal life free from the threats of war.

What specific wish does Nastasiia Shapoval have for the new year?

She wishes for a return to true normality, defined as a life without sirens, shelters, or death.