War artifacts transformed into art: Kyiv showcases exhibit of Russian-Ukrainian war remnants

On October 20, an exhibition of art objects created from the remains of weapons and equipment from the Russian-Ukrainian war was presented in Kyiv. The exhibition will be ongoing at the City Zen Park Business Center, allowing everyone to view the one-of-a-kind works firsthand.

Rubryka was present at the presentation and is sharing its impressions.

What is the problem?

The Russian-Ukrainian war is leaving behind tons of destruction waste, including the remains of damaged or unusable military equipment, dangerous objects, and weapons.

Previously, Rubryka wrote about what communities can do with the remains of destruction. However, what to do with used military equipment and weapons that may be unsafe for civilian disposal?

What is the solution?

Turn it into art! In the War Artists Union project, modern Ukrainian artists reinterpret the primary essence of military attributes, turning them into art objects. "From the remnants of war, art is born, from the means of destruction, Ukrainian revival is born" – this is how the project's philosophy sounds. Volunteers and the military provide materials. Over time, artists transform them from dangerous objects into sculptures, jewelry, and even furniture.

How does it work?

The founder of the project, Svitlana Bilyk, shares: "I believe that the project can really give Ukraine a new positioning in the world, show us from a different side. I want us not to be perceived as a victim. Because a victim cannot do anything, and we can. We fight, we are suffering. And I want us to be helped not because we are helpless but because we are valuable; we can give the world many useful things and change the world for the better, and that is why we need to be helped."

^{Svetlana Bilyk}

Svitlana adds that the essence of the project is to make things that are very mutilated and scary to bring joy, hope, and a feeling that everything can be fixed:

"I hope the project will inspire Ukrainians to think that everything can be changed for the better. You just have to put in the effort: sometimes more, sometimes less. So they look at this war as an integral part of our lives; unfortunately, it is so. We will have to rake the consequences of the war. This is a process for many years – our children will still have enough. Therefore, we must learn to perceive it as one of the conditions of existence."

Creation of artistic heritage to preserve the memory of the war

The collection includes more than 20 objects, each with its unique history.

^{The Madonna sculpture is made from the wreckage of the Kh-31 missile that fell in Kyiv in May 2022. The author is Stas Kadochnikov}

^{Jewelry made of brass sleeves. The author is Volodymyr Balyberdin}

^{Jewelry made of brass sleeves. The author is Volodymyr Balyberdin}

^{Jewelry made of brass sleeves. The author is Volodymyr Balyberdin}

"The textures of the jewelry from shell casings are quite unique because you can cast as many copies as you like, but the shell casings found near Kyiv, which were brought from the front, are transformed into beautiful forms. The first shell casings were brought from Bucha. The other shell casings were "used to knead the clay," so it was necessary to test bulletproof vests. And I said, let them bring shell casings – they did. And then acquaintances, relatives brought as much as they could and from what, because they saw the result," comments jeweler Volodymyr Belyberdin.

Volodymyr shares that he likes to transform casings into jewelry because it means having a memory of this time and these emotions. However, he was afraid that it would not be the right time to make decorations during the war.

"I am proud to have my work displayed in the Museum of Historical Jewels. The museum has been curating its collection for thirty years, but it often seemed that the jewelry wouldn't be appreciated due to the events that had occurred. However, a positive shift has occurred, as these pieces now evoke emotions and reminders of the military and the losses endured during that time."

More photos:

According to the organizers, this project also contributes to the growth of Ukrainian cultural entrepreneurship by generating employment opportunities and expanding exports.

A portion of the sales from the art pieces will be used to support the army, State Emergency Service, and victims of war.