NYC exhibition will honor late Ukrainian photographer and soldier Denys Kryvyi and highlight environmental toll of war

The Ukrainian Institute of America (UIA) will host a photo exhibition honoring the work and life of Denys Kryvyi, an award-winning Ukrainian nature photographer and contributor to National Geographic. 

The exhibition, Denys Kryvyi: Fighting for His Ukrainian Landscape, is organized by Ukrainian Jersey City, a non-profit organization supporting Ukraine, and will feature stunning, rarely seen images of Ukraine's nature and wildlife, Rubryka reports.

The exhibition, which will open on April 6, 2025, at the Ukrainian Institute of America, aims to celebrate Kryvyi's artistic legacy while drawing attention to the environmental devastation caused by war. 

Later in the month, on April 22, UIA will host panel discussions on the war's impact on Ukraine's environment, coinciding with Earth Month.

What's the problem?

Ukrainian nature photographer and soldier Denys Kryvyi. Photo courtesy of Ukrainian Jersey City

In his career, photographer Denys Kryvyi captured Ukraine's natural beauty — from sunlit canopies of trees to aerial vistas of flowing rivers. Through his art, Denys was determined to capture the essence of his homeland and often worked in challenging natural and weather conditions. 

In the early days of the war, Denys Kryvyi enlisted as a volunteer in the Ukrainian Armed Forces. In May 2023, Denys's life was tragically cut short in battle near Bakhmut when he was rescuing his wounded comrade.

To honor his memory, his widow, Halyna Volhyna, founded the SAYO Foundation, which has worked to share his artwork with the world and support relief efforts in Ukraine.

What's the solution?

Kryvyi once stated in an interview that popularizing the beauty of Ukrainian nature was an honor, and he believed it deserved worldwide recognition. Today, his photos starkly contrast with the war-torn images of Ukraine seen in the media daily.

Denys Kryvyi: Fighting for His Ukrainian Landscape, a photo exhibition, will honor Denys Kryvyi's work and life, showcase the beauty of Ukraine's nature, and raise awareness about how the full-scale war has impacted it.

"This nature exhibition is a poignant reminder of the personal sacrifices made by Denys and countless other talented Ukrainians who have fallen while defending their home," said Oksana Condon, co-founder of Ukrainian Jersey City, which organized the exhibition. "We invite everyone who cares about Ukraine's future, seeks peace, and wants to understand the global impact of this devastating war to join us."

How does it work?

The exhibition's opening event on April 6 will begin with a guided nature walk in Central Park led by Calvin Norman, assistant teaching professor of forestry at Penn State University.

Guests will also enjoy a fully immersive experience featuring:

• Nature sounds from Ukraine,
• Music by pianist Andriy Milavsky,
• A craft station for children,
• A pop-up shop,
• A special video presentation by Olia Hercules, a renowned chef, social media influencer, and author.

In honor of Poetry Month, the exhibition will include a poetry reading moderated by Olena Jennings. Poets Kateryna Mikhalitsyna (with translations and readings by Hanna Leliv), Maria Rewakowicz, Ksenia Rychtycka, Vera Sirota, and Olena Jennings will present their works.

On April 22, the UIA will host two expert panels to discuss ecocide in Ukraine: 

• Scarred Lands: The War's Devastation of Ukraine's Environment
• Restoring Life: Reclaiming Ukraine's Ecosystems and Future.

Speakers will include experts from leading universities and environmental organizations, such as Jasper Baur (Columbia University), Oleksandr Borsuk (Chornobyl Radiation and Ecological Biosphere Reserve), Oksana Kukurudza (Moderator and Consultant), Brian Milakovsky (Forest Release), Calvin Norman (Penn State University), Corey Scher (State University of New York), Serhii Shevchenko (Lviv Polytechnic National University), Gabriel Steinberg (Safe Pro Group, AI), and Taylor Zajicek (Columbia University).

The event will conclude with a nature film screening. 

Proceeds from the sale of Kryvyi's photographs and raffle ticket sales will support the Come Back Alive Foundation's and Kyivstar's We Live Here 2.0 demining initiative.

Event details:

• April 6, 2025 – Exhibition Opening / April 22, 2025 – Panel Discussions
• Location: Ukrainian Institute of America, 2 East 79th Street, New York, NY 10075
• TICKETS: Registration Link

Background

Denys Kryvyi, a Ukrainian nature photographer, was born on October 19, 1988, in Cherniakhiv, Zhytomyr region. He studied history at the Pervomaiskyi Institute of Mechnikov National University. From 2013, he worked with National Geographic Ukraine, specializing in landscape, wildlife, and aerial photography. He received numerous national and international awards, including two FIAP Blue Ribbons — an honor awarded by the International Federation of Photographic Art for exceptional photographic achievements. In the summer of 2022, he joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine and was killed in action in Bakhmut on May 11, 2023.

Founded in 2020, Ukrainian Jersey City promotes Ukrainian arts, culture, and community. Since the outbreak of the war, the organization has expanded to support Ukrainian refugees, orphanages, and humanitarian efforts in Ukraine. 

For over 75 years, the Ukrainian Institute of America has been promoting Ukrainian culture and democratic values worldwide. Through its vibrant programs, the Institute serves as a bridge between Ukraine and the American people, fostering cultural interaction, mutual understanding, and appreciation of shared values and goals. Located on Museum Mile in the heart of New York City in a National Historic Landmark Building, the Institute is where the World Meets Ukraine. 

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