Vienna’s historic center is set to host a three-day Ukrainian art exhibition called ART ON THE BATTLEFRONT from April 15-17. The event, which will showcase the works of 19 Ukrainian artists, will take place at the renovated Künstlerhaus, home to one of the world’s most famous contemporary art museums, Albertina Modern. Ukrainian Vogue’s editorial board initiated the exhibition, and it was the result of a virtual art project of the same name.
ART ON THE BATTLEFRONT will provide a glimpse into the thoughts of Ukrainian artists on current events. This event holds immense significance as the voice of Ukrainian artists is of particular importance in the world during the ongoing war. The works of these artists will reflect their sense of present events, and this exhibition will be an important manifestation of cultural diplomacy.
The exhibition will feature paintings, graphics, video and digital art, sculpture, and installation from the 19 artists. The curator of the project, Svitlana Starostenko, says that the artists are not trying to depict events literally, as that is the job of the media.
Artists’ thoughts on current events
For instance, Bohdan Burenko, a painter, captures the sensations that are frozen in space and time, with images from the animal world. His work depicts a freeze-frame of a fierce battle, conveying the tension of expectation through disturbing colors and chopped lines.
Other artworks at the exhibition reflect the past and the present. For example, Kyiv landscapes by Serhiy Zapadnyi and Denys Metelin are recognizable symbols of a peaceful and confident capital, reflecting on the present and past. On the other hand, “Defenders of Kyiv” represents Kyi, Shchek, Khoriv, and their sister Lybid, the founders of Kyiv, as the city’s defenders against the enemy, with a red haze of anxiety in the backdrop.
The exhibition will kick off with a performance by famous Ukrainian artist and performance artist Maria Kulikovska. It will also feature an electronic music performance by Heinali, a Ukrainian composer, and sound artist Oleg Shpudeyko.
Visitors will have the opportunity to view and purchase the artworks at the exhibition, with proceeds from the sale being directed to the rehabilitation fund for women soldiers established by the Ukrainian NGO Women’s Veterans Movement. The exhibition partners include Admixer, the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy of Ukraine, Künstlerhaus, and Office Ukraine. Entrance to the exhibition is free, and it promises to be a unique cultural experience.
