In times of war, people set aside concerns about globalism, the stress of office work, everyday problems, and other seemingly routine matters. While caring for children in bomb shelters, fighting directly on the front line, volunteering, or saving lives in operating rooms, people come to realize their significance and connection to something much greater than their family, team, or interest group. The issue of national identity becomes crucial, with a culture and shared spiritual values, developed over centuries, becoming the cornerstone of existence. This is the moment when a people becomes a nation, and a group of individuals becomes a community. It is here, in this space of awareness, that one has the opportunity to learn, grow, serve others, feel the depth of their being, and discover true meaning amidst the chaos that surrounds them.
"The Ark: An Anthology of Meanings" is not just an exhibition; it is a metaphor for the contemporary Ukrainian spirit. It symbolizes a cradle and a vessel, embodying the depth and resilience of Ukrainian culture, history, and identity. The exhibition showcases works by painters, sculptors, and photographers that convey the richness of generations, styles, and cultural codes inherent in the different regions of Ukraine.
The exhibition showcases works by painters, sculptors, and photographers that convey the richness of generations, styles, and cultural codes inherent in the different regions of Ukraine. Each artist has made a unique contribution to this project, emphasizing in their creations the core elements of Ukrainian identity. These pieces capture the memory of generations, the sanctity of family, the image of the woman as guardian, the fertility of the land, the significance of the protective icon, heroic battles, the strength of the indomitable spirit, traditional rituals, and the art of embroidery — values upon which the culture is built and which make us far more than a mere geographical community.
Therefore, this exhibition will not only introduce you to Ukrainian art but also invite you to engage in a dialogue about meanings that resonate with us all.
Photos from the opening ceremony of the charity exhibition ArtUkraïna in Volkskundemuseum, Vienna, by @malt5eva
The ARK" exhibition aims to raise donations for electronic warfare systems for medical teams at the front to protect their lives from enemy drone attacks.