At the Royal Academy until 13 October 

I have been constantly astonished over the last few years how many Russian artists were actually from Ukraine. But that is a result of history - which has, of course, come back to bite, and bite hard. When they were born, and while they were alive, these artists were initially citizens of the Russian Empire, and later, of the USSR - the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. Having gained their independence, the Ukrainians are now fighting to retain it. 

For this reason, if no other, it is worth looking at their work, the remarkably innovative paintings which were produced in the first three-four decades of the 20th century. And when seen, you will realise that this is not just a gesture of solidarity, but an appreciation of some of the most interesting and innovative art produced during the early years of 'Modernism'. 

The names you are likely to have heard of include Kazymyr Malevych, Sonia Delaunay, Alexandra Exter and El Lissitzky, but other artists have recently caught my attention - notably Volodymyr Burljuk, who is included in Tate Modern's Expressionism, and his brother David - from whose Carousel the detail above is taken. 

In the words of the Royal Academy, 'Highlighting the range of artistic styles and cultural identities that existed in Ukraine during this period, this is the most comprehensive UK exhibition to date about modern art in Ukraine... Many are on loan from the National Art Museum of Ukraine and the Museum of Theatre, Music and Cinema of Ukraine in Kyiv.' The fact that these paintings have left the country - under the most appalling circumstance - may well have contributed to their survival: they certainly deserve to be seen!