Italy hosts first exhibition of Ukrainian artists Rayko, Kadyrova, and Panchenko
A drawing from the wall of Polina Rayko's house. Photo: Ukrainian Institute
On November 18, in Italy, the Centro Brera gallery in Milan opened an exhibition featuring Ukrainian artists titled "Fade Colors" (Colori Spenti). The showcase highlights the works of artists affected by the Russian invasion.
The Ukrainian Institute of Culture reported that.
The works of three Ukrainian artists are presented: Liubov Panchenko, Polina Rayko, and Zhanna Kadyrova.
"The presentation of Panchenko and Rayko's works in Italy is more than just a demonstration of art. The bright colors of their works contrast with the tragedies brought by Russian aggression: deaths, environmental disasters, and scorched earth. It is essential to convey these realities to Italians, many of whom still feel sentimental about the so-called "great Russian culture," Kseniia Kalyna, the author of the idea and head of the communications department of the Ukrainian Institute, said.
Photo: Ukrainian Institute
In one way or another, the three artists' work and legacy were impacted by the war. Polina Rayko, a naive artist, transformed her home into an art sanctuary during her lifetime. Every wall was adorned with depictions of stories from her life and biblical and mythological figures. Despite her death in 2004, her legacy has been upheld by both residents and artists in the Kherson region.
The team that worked on the exhibition "Faded Colors." Photo: Ukrainian Institute
After the Russian occupiers blew up the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station, this space was almost completely destroyed.
Liubov Panchenko, a fashion designer and representative of the Sixtiers movement, drew inspiration from Ukrainian traditional culture for her work. Her clothing sketches were mass-produced in Soviet factories, and her body of work also encompassed collage pieces, landscapes, and costume designs for a Ukrainian choir.
The artist did not make it through the Russian occupation of Bucha and passed away shortly after the city was liberated at the age of 84.
Collage by Liubov Panchenko. Photo: Ukrainian Institute
"Due to Russian aggression, some of their works were destroyed or endangered. In conditions of full-scale war, the physical movement of works of art has become extremely difficult, so the exhibition presents mostly digital reproductions," the institute emphasized.
Contemporary artist Zhanna Kadyrova uses her works to tell the story of war today, transforming symbols of destruction into powerful artistic statements. Her works are regularly exhibited at international art venues, such as the Venice Biennale of Contemporary Art.
Video installation by Zhanna Kadyrova. Photo: Ukrainian Institute
Zhanna has won multiple art awards. Her installation titled "Russian Rocket 2022" serves as an archaeology of war, utilizing fragments of Russian missiles to create artifacts that reveal the aggressor's atrocities against the Ukrainian land and its inhabitants.
"We are incredibly proud and honored to be a part of the Ukrainian art movement in Italy. As Italians, we are fortunate not to have Russian missiles threatening us from above. Yet, we fail to recognize that it is Ukraine that is safeguarding us and fighting for our liberty.
Taking part in this project is the minimum that our newspaper can do to influence the formation of public opinion in Italy with articles, ideas, and truthful information directed against the destructive Russian imperialism," Christian Rocca, editor-in-chief of the independent Italian online newspaper Linkiesta, said.
Visitors came to the opening of the exhibition of Ukrainian female artists. Photo: Ukrainian Institute
The exhibition will last until November 28. It was organized by the Ukrainian Institute, in collaboration with Linkiesta, an independent media outlet for investigative journalism, and with the support of the Embassy of Ukraine in Italy.
In addition to the main exhibition, a public program will be presented:
- On November 20, a discussion will be held on the cultural and environmental losses of Ukraine from the Russian war;
- On November 26, a meeting called "Discover Ukrainian Art" will be conducted.
"Three different artists, three generations, three views on Ukrainian culture and its ability to resist destruction – all this awaits visitors to the Centro Brera gallery. Come see the exhibition that introduces the Italian public to these prominent representatives of Ukrainian art for the first time," the exhibition organizers urged.
