A Brush as a Sword, A Thousand Days of Witness: Xu Weixin’s “Ukraine: Every Day”
By WRIC’s Jing Zhang 06-20-2025
In the annals of human civilization, art has always stood as an unwavering witness and profound reflector of its times. As the flames of war engulf Ukraine and countless lives grapple with the smoke and turmoil, Mr. Xu Weixin, a painter from China, has raised the powerful voice of art through his unique and tenacious endeavors. Wielding his paintbrush like a sword, he has undertaken the extraordinary feat of painting one piece every day, meticulously documenting the tears, blood, and triumphs of the Ukrainian people’s resistance against aggression. From the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war until today, he has created over 1,200 works. This remarkable achievement is not merely an artistic marvel but a resolute declaration of human conscience and justice.
A Journey of Artistic Witness
On the evening of June 6, 2025, within the historic walls of the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York City, Mr. Xu Weixin shared the deeply personal journey behind his “Ukraine: Every Day” series with an audience of international scholars, professors, NGO representatives, and friends. That day marked his 1,197th consecutive day of painting and his 1,197th piece chronicling the lives and events of war-torn Ukraine. Beginning in April 2022, as the conflict intensified and lives hung in the balance, Xu Weixin chose to stand with Ukraine through his art, condemning the aggressors and championing justice.
Xu Weixin confessed that in 2014, when Russia invaded Ukraine and annexed Crimea, he hadn’t paid close attention. However, Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022 struck him as an act of bullying that fundamentally undermined the UN Charter and global order, threatening to ignite a much wider conflict. This realization spurred his decision to use his artistic talent to document the war daily, hoping to ignite broader awareness across various spheres.
This path, he admitted, has often been a solitary one. Despite bouts of illness or overwhelming fatigue, he has steadfastly honored his commitment: “paint Ukraine every day.” Balancing this immense dedication with his other professional obligations has been a formidable challenge.
Xu Weixin’s “Ukraine: Every Day” series has deeply moved countless strangers online. Among them is Ms. Jasmine, who, inspired by his art, has penned over 460 poems to accompany his paintings. These verses, overflowing with sincerity and a powerful sense of justice, are entirely devoid of any financial motive.
( Photos by Jing Zhang)
Xu, Weixin (the one in red) and his Chinese interpreter. ( Photos by Jing Zhang)
( Photos by Jing Zhang)
( Photos by Jing Zhang)
Six Themes: A Visual Epic of War and Humanity
Mr. Xu Weixin’s “Ukraine: Every Day” series transcends a mere collection of paintings; it is a profound visual epic woven with brushstrokes and vibrant colors. Xu distills the brutal realities of war and the enduring brilliance of humanity into six poignant themes. These scenes depict everything from domestic animals fleeing Russian bombardments to people, in their panic, prioritizing the safety of their beloved dogs. Every stroke is laden with deep reflection and emotion:
( Photos by Jing Zhang)
( Photos by Jing Zhang)
-Invasion and Slaughter/ A Silent Accusation:
Xu Weixin’s art confronts the raw brutality of war head-on, freezing on canvas the aggressors’ atrocities and the loss of innocent lives. His depictions—crumbling ruins or the desperate faces of victims—serve as silent indictments, questioning the inhumanity of war and awakening viewers to the priceless value of peace. These paintings are visceral historical markers, eternally reminding the world of the profound suffering war inflicts.
( Photos by Jing Zhang)
-Resistance and Combat:
An Unyielding Will: Amidst the smoke-filled battlefields, the Ukrainian people demonstrate an inspiring will to resist. Xu Weixin’s brush captures the heroic stances of frontline soldiers and the unwavering resilience of ordinary citizens engaged in resistance. Whether armed soldiers or civilians fighting for their homes, their figures are imbued with an indomitable spirit, showcasing their fearless courage in the face of tyranny.
-Righteous Aid/ Global Solidarity:
Ukraine’s struggle has resonated globally, drawing widespread empathy and support. Mr. Xu Weixin’s works frequently illustrate the international community’s solidarity with Ukraine, depicting the arrival of aid supplies from various nations or the steadfast support of international leaders. These images coalesce into a powerful current of warmth, underscoring the international community’s commitment to defending justice and foreshadowing the ultimate isolation of evil.
( Photos by Jing Zhang)
-Unyielding Ukrainians:
The Spirit of a Nation: The crucible of war has forged an even more resilient national spirit within the Ukrainian people. The Ukrainians in Xu Weixin’s paintings are not just victims of conflict but fierce protectors of their homeland. They might be ordinary citizens steadfastly performing their duties amidst the fighting or demonstrating their remarkable resolve to rebuild homes from the ruins. These artworks encapsulate the Ukrainian people’s unwavering pursuit of freedom, dignity, and independence.
-Sacrifice for Freedom: Eternal Remembrance:
Countless Ukrainian sons and daughters have made the ultimate sacrifice to defend their freedom and homeland. Mr. Xu Weixin’s work also pays profound homage to these brave martyrs. With solemn brushstrokes, he depicts their monuments; with deep, somber colors, he expresses his mourning and remembrance for the fallen. These paintings stand as eternal memorials, ensuring future generations never forget the immense price paid for liberty.
-Ukraine Will Endure:
A Chapter of Hope: Despite being consumed by war, Ukraine’s vitality has remained unbroken. Xu Weixin’s paintings ultimately culminate in themes of hope and rebirth. Children and their family dogs escaping bombardment, the wounded emerging from craters and rubble, and soldiers returning to the front lines after recovery—all convey the Ukrainian people’s extraordinary resilience and their unwavering aspirations for the future. They hold firm to the belief that their homeland will ultimately expel the invaders and reclaim peace and prosperity.
In the entire history of global art, it is truly unprecedented for an artist to continuously paint daily for a distant nation’s war with such remarkable frequency, tenacity, and unwavering dedication. Mr. Xu Weixin is not merely an artist; he is a courageous warrior who has immersed himself in the torrent of his times with his paintbrush. Each of his works serves as a poignant call for peace, a steadfast commitment to justice, and a heartfelt blessing for the people of Ukraine. This singular persistence is, in itself, a miracle. As host Vita Golod aptly put it: “Xu Weixin’s sincerity inspires the Ukrainian people like a war drum.”
Mr. Xu Weixin’s more than a thousand paintings, imbued with profound artistic power and the brilliance of humanity, will undoubtedly stand as a powerful prophecy of Ukraine’s eventual triumph. These works will be forever etched into the gallery of history, narrating the legendary story of a nation rising in adversity and ultimately achieving victory. We are incredibly fortunate to witness the creative endeavor of such an artist and are deeply moved by the resilience and hope he conveys. Xu Weixin has expressed his wish that, once Ukraine expels the invaders, his paintings might be exhibited in the National Historical Museum in Kyiv. We firmly believe this vision will soon become a reality.
After dessert, the paintings will be auctioned. All proceeds will go to Ukraine.
After dessert, the paintings will be auctioned. All proceeds will go to Ukraine.