Elena Marttila’ s personal message Dec 2016

Selected works created by the artist, Elena Marttila, during the winter of 1941-42 in Leningrad will feature in ART AND ENDURANCE IN THE SIEGE OF LENINGRAD, which runs until 19 March at Darwin College, Cambridge. The art exhibition will also include various talks and film screenings to provide a cultural and historic insight into this period of World War II. It is the first time that Elena’s Leningrad series of works has been shown to the UK public. The lithographs and engravings create a visual diary of the blockade that lasted 872 days and cost the lives of a million people, most of whom died of starvation. The exhibition is a tribute to Elena’s life, legacy and artistic integrity and is dedicated to her friends and fellow Leningraders who lived and died during the siege. ‘While my hand can still hold a pencil, I will continue to tell the story of my fellow Leningraders, who are dear to my heart,” said Elena. “I wish for this exhibition to become a warning against the dangers of war for th