Kateryna Serdiuk made a dramatic career shift from banking in London to selling art in war-torn Kyiv, leaving behind her comfortable life in the British financial sector to support Ukrainian artists whose lives and livelihoods have been devastated by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. Her decision represents a growing trend of Ukrainians abroad returning home or redirecting their careers to help rebuild their country's cultural landscape during wartime.
Serdiuk's transition from the world of international finance to the art market wasn't just a career change—it was a mission-driven decision to preserve and promote Ukrainian culture at a time when many artists have lost everything, including their lives, due to the ongoing conflict. The banking professional recognized that Ukraine's artistic community needed immediate support to survive the economic and physical destruction caused by the Russian military offensive that began in February 2022.
Working in Kyiv's challenging wartime environment, Serdiuk now dedicates her efforts to connecting Ukrainian artists with buyers and collectors, helping to generate crucial income for creators who have seen their studios destroyed, their works lost, and their traditional markets disrupted. Her work has become particularly important for artists who have lost family members or colleagues in the war, as she provides both financial support through sales and emotional encouragement during an incredibly difficult period.
The art dealer's efforts highlight the broader struggle facing Ukraine's cultural sector, where countless artists have been forced to flee their homes, abandon their studios, or completely halt their creative work due to safety concerns and economic hardship. By facilitating art sales and maintaining cultural connections, Serdiuk is helping to ensure that Ukrainian artistic expression continues to thrive despite the devastating circumstances, while also providing practical financial assistance to artists trying to rebuild their lives during wartime.
