Random Events exhibition debuts in Kyiv, showcasing intersection of women, science, and creativity
The Random Events exhibition has opened in Kyiv, highlighting the intersection of women, science, and creativity. Running until March 16 at the Ukrainian House, the exhibition invites visitors to engage with and contribute to the creative space.
Rubryka provides insights into the exhibition's unique functioning.
What is the problem?
Women frequently find themselves marginalized in art and science, where their contributions to society often go undervalued. They face limited professional growth and support opportunities, and stereotypes and underrepresentation usually overshadow their achievements.
What is the solution?
The Random Events exhibition opened on March 1 at the National Center Ukrainian House and aims to challenge and confront the prejudices surrounding women's involvement in innovation.
This initiative, undertaken by the agency and NGO Port of Culture with support from UN Women in Ukraine and the UN Population Fund, aims to provide a platform for women residing in Ukraine who, despite challenging times, continue to create and conduct research. For many participants, this exhibition represents their debut and first opportunity to gain visibility.
How does it work?
"All coincidences are not coincidences!"
At the Random Events exhibition in the Ukrainian House. Photo from the project archive
The Random Events exhibition is an innovative project that combines an art laboratory and an exhibition. As part of this project, ten Ukrainian innovators and ten artists joined forces to create innovative and artistic projects at the intersection of art and technology.
According to the initiative's authors, the exhibition's name is inspired by the concept of a "serendipitous event"—a random occurrence that unexpectedly yields positive results. These are events where a different outcome was anticipated but led to an unexpected discovery. Historically, such events have led to the invention of penicillin, the discovery of radioactivity, X-rays, vulcanized rubber, and even the microwave oven. These breakthroughs occurred not by chance alone, but due to observant individuals' attentiveness, flexible thinking, and curiosity.
The main goal of the exhibition is to create an integrated space for women who continue to create in Ukraine.
Natalka Kostenko, project manager of the agency and NGO Port of Culture. Photo from the project archive
The exhibition targets a broad audience, spanning from high school students to the elderly. It offers intriguing insights for both professionals in the field and casual visitors alike.
"We are unaware of any projects in such an experimental format. While there have certainly been initiatives focusing on women, and others exploring the intersection of art and innovation, the uniqueness of this project lies in its integration of women, a cross-sectoral approach, and the concept of a laboratory as a method for creating new art. In many ways, this project is a complete experiment, which is precisely its advantage," Natalka Kostenko, project manager of the agency and NGO Port of Culture, said.
When is the exhibition open for visits, and what does it feature?
At the exhibition. Photo from the project archive
- When: The exhibition will run from March 1 to March 16, 2025.
- Opening hours: Tuesday to Sunday, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.
- Location: National Center Ukrainian House, Kyiv, Khreshchatyk Street, 2.
Admission is free.
The exhibition features:
- a project about nuclear safety by Yevhenia Hrygorian and Kateryna Shavanova;
- a room for releasing anger by Oleksandra Klod and Alla Petrenko-Lysak;
- a robot flower as a metaphor for female potential by Olha Zota and Kateryna Tymoshenko;
- a home-grown mycelium by Alyona Kuznetsova and Alisa Atamanchuk;
- an installation that rethinks a woman's personal space by Mariia Leonenko and Nastasia Klen;
- a space where you can slow down and remember what is important by Kateryna Shyman and Daryna Fes;
- an installation that immerses you in the past through space by Yevhenia Laptii and Olena Kompaniets;
- a project about overcoming trauma by Dariia Zimenko and Tetiana Zubchenko;
- an installation about the connection between man and nature and the role of women in society by Tetiana Chuchko and Maryna Levchenko;
- an audiovisual installation about inclusivity in the city by Sofiia Brem and Lera Polianskowa;
- also for the exhibition, Kooperativ, together with the agency and NGO Port of Culture, implemented an interactive art object — "Your Own Room", where visitors can be creative and create their own art.
At the exhibition Random Events in the Ukrainian House. Photo from the project archive
In addition, the retrospective part of the exhibition presents the works of Ukrainian women artists and scientists — from the beginning of the 20th century to the present. It provides an opportunity to look into the past and remember women whose contribution to science and culture has often been forgotten or underestimated.
Every weekend, the exhibition will offer a series of lectures, discussions, and curator-led tours for visitors. The event program and schedule are available via the provided link, and those interested in participating in these events must register through a Google form.
Even more useful solutions!
The exhibition features two interactive art installations: The Room of Anger, created by Oleksandra Klod and Alla Petrenko-Lysak, and Your Own Room, by Mariia Leonenko and Nastasia Klen.
In the Room of Anger you can express your emotions. Photo from the project archive
"The Room of Anger is about the external and internal space of such an emotion as anger – one of the basic, primary emotions associated with aggression, rage and the fight for justice. Our art project appeals to the anger of ancestors, which, since it was suppressed under colonialism, must be released by the modern generation," co-author of the art object Alla Petrenko-Lysak says.
The authors of the art object are researchers working in psychology and sociology. All the notes left by visitors to the room will be read and analyzed. Later, after the project is completed, an author's reflection on the collected information will be created.
If you cannot visit the exhibition in Kyiv but wish to share your story of anger, you may do so remotely via the provided link.
Your Own Room. Photo from the project archive
Your Own Room is an equipped space where visitors can be creative and create their own art.
Your Own Room is not only a physical place, but also a metaphor. It is a space where a woman can find herself, feel her strength, freely express her thoughts and create something meaningful. "Your Own Room helps women realize the importance of personal space in their lives and inspires them to create it," explains the idea co-author Nastasia Klen.
Mariia Leonenko and Anastasiia Klen in Your Room. Photo from the project archive
In this space, visitors can read books, view art, draw, enjoy a cup of tea, and find solitude with their thoughts. Notably, "Your Room" features a design thinking workshop, complete with a defined process and materials, that assists women in conceptualizing and realizing their personal space today.
For reference:
At the onset of spring, the Museum of the History of the City of Kyiv unveiled the exhibition "Who Told You I'm Weak?". This exhibition celebrates women's multifaceted nature, highlighting their ability to transform the world, inspire others, and heal souls.
