Kiera Brew Kurec's 'Keep the Chains Tight' Performance Revives Ukrainian Pysanka Tradition in Sydney

On 28 March, Kiera Brew Kurec, an artist of Ukrainian-Australian descent, showcased her performance piece titled 'Keep the Chains Tight' at the Randwick Literary Institute in Sydney. This hour-long presentation centered on pysanky, the traditional Ukrainian Easter eggs crafted through a wax-resist technique. During the performance, participants melted black beeswax from the eggs to unveil vibrant patterns, reflecting on the transmission of cultural knowledge while alluding to the repression of the Soviet era. The absence of a soundtrack highlighted the dynamics of master-apprentice relationships. Audience members received eggs, symbolizing the sharing of knowledge. Rooted in pre-Christian customs, pysanka-making later adopted Christian elements. Brew Kurec's work resonated with the Ukrainian community, affirming cultural identity amidst threats to traditions. This performance was reviewed as part of ArtsHub's Creative Journalism Fellowship, backed by the NSW Government.