Ukrainian art on display at Whippany cultural center
HANOVER When deciding on a title for their art exhibit, organizers felt it was imperative to express nationalistic pride in Ukraine, along with a headline-style sense of urgency.
“Ukraine EXISTS” was their choice.
Now on only its second stop in the U.S. after debuting at the United Nations last month, the multimedia exhibit runs through Monday Sunday, Feb. 14 at the Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey, 60 North Jefferson Rd., in the Whippany section of the township. (Editor's note: Monday, Feb. 15 show has been cancelled due to inclement weather.)
Admission is free, although donations of $10 are suggested, with proceeds going towards humanitarian efforts in Ukraine.
The roughly 100 items on display showcase “contemporary” Ukrainian art in the truest sense of the word – as much of the material was produced in just the last two years by over a dozen Ukrainian artists.
Evident in many of the works, such as a Ukraine flag signed by soldiers on the front lines of battle in the Donbas region, is an edginess intended to remind exhibit-goers of Ukraine’s refusal to back down amid continuing Russian aggression.
A needlepoint made by elementary school children in an Eastern Ukraine ATO, or anti-terrorist operation zone, fills a blue sky backdrop with warplanes resembling paper airplanes that fly aimlessly in every direction - reflecting the perspective of a generation growing up with their nation at war, fighting to preserve the sanctity of its borders.In a vividly-colored painting by Les Panchyshyn, a faceless figure – likely a soldier – is soiled by patches of blood, but nevertheless continues to stand upright. The scene contains the written inscription (and painting’s title), “It’s Not OK.”
“I would like to get people who come to the exhibition to understand that Ukraine is a separate state; it is not part of Russia,” artist Alina Gaieva, who organized the exhibition with Ukrainian musician and recording artist Taras Topolya, said via email from Ukraine.
While “Ukraine has its own ancient history, traditions and culture,” Gaieva said she hopes the exhibit will reinforce Ukraine’s stature as “a modern state” whose people “think the same way as the people of the West.”
Gaieva masterfully captures the war’s devastating impact on women in several exhibit works, one showing the dire pain endured by the mother of a young child. The mother’s eyes are swollen shut, while the hands with which she holds her baby have been reduced to skeletal form. Yet there is still hope, as seen through her child’s wide-open eyes. “Despite the difficult situation, young people (are) thinking about tomorrow. There is life in the country, and rampant desire for peace,” she added.
Joining Gaieva among featured artists are Ruslan Kolmykov, Yurii Yefanov, Andrii Yermolenko, Les Panchyshyn, Zakentii Vorobiov, Bohdan Kukharskyi, Yurii Shapoval, Serhii Radkevych, Svitlana Dziuba, Konstantin Koposov, Makar Moskaliuk, Oksana Svizhak, Lilia Stugnytska, Olga Kulish-Phedorenko and Angelika Rudnytska.
The likeness of Taras Shevchenko, the 19th century poet, writer, painter and political figure revered for having laid the foundation for modern Ukrainian literature – and who was convicted by Russian authorities for writing in the Ukrainian language – is present in several paintings.
In one, a somber Shevchenko returns to present-day Kyiv carrying a tire, while a billowing fire rages from behind. In another, the reincarnated Shevchenko uses an iPhone to take a selfie picture.
“He was a prophet of free Ukraine,” said Oleksandr Matsuka, a Ukraine native who currently serves as chief of the Secretariat of the United Nations Security Council, and helped arrange the exhibit’s U.N. showing.
Characterizing himself as part of an “older generation,” Matsuka is impressed by the desire of young artists to incorporate Shevchenko in their work.
“These kids painted him as one of them,” he said. “They see him as one of them.”
Ukraine’s natural beauty is also flaunted, as seen in a painting of a stand of birch trees in wintertime, illuminated by a bright purple sky.
Paintings in a variety of genres are included in the well-stocked exhibit, along with calligraphy, ceramics, sculptures, needlepoint and embroidery.
“I believe this art speaks to individuals on many levels,” said publicity co-chair Oksana Lodziuk-Krywulych. “It is moving and beautiful, but at the same time aptly portrays a very difficult period of time for Ukraine.”
The real-life stories, faces and voices of Ukrainian soldiers and citizens in war-torn Donbas are brought to life through interactive videos, with audio available in English or Ukrainian (with English subtitles).
While the immediacy of Ukraine’s battle to remain a sovereign state may be at the forefront, Matsuka hopes the exhibit will also acquaint those attending with another side of Ukraine.
“In the news, it’s all about war,” he said. “But it’s a normal country with a lot of potential. Ukraine wants to be a part of the European family.”
IF YOU GO: Ukraine EXISTS art exhibit
Where:
Ukrainian American Cultural Center of New Jersey
60 N. Jefferson Rd. in the Whippany section of Hanover Township.
Date: Monday, Feb. 15 show has been cancelled due to inclement weather. The organizers apologize for any inconvenience.
Now through Monday, Feb. 15
Hours:
9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Saturday and Sunday; 1-3 p.m. and 5-7p.m., Monday. Private viewings by appointment
Admission:
Free, with suggested donation of $10 to fund humanitarian efforts in Ukraine
Contact:
Email sanalodz@gmail.com, web www.uaccnj.org