This triennial is a unique opportunity to hear the long-muted voice of Ukrainian culture and to let the art itself speak about what Ukrainian art has been and is, the organizers say.
"Opening in Kaunas, the triennial aims to look at Ukrainian art today, at a time when Ukrainian realia are largely determined by the ongoing war. In this context, Ukrainian artistic expression takes on a new tone – quite open, sharp, unexpected and tragic. The triennial will also offer a glimpse into Ukraine's past, the shadow of empires, the destruction of culture and the consequences of the twists and turns of history that are being felt today," Kaunas - European Capital of Culture said in a statement.
The triennial features contemporary artworks by Ukrainian artists from Dnipro, Kherson, Kyiv, Kharkiv, Lviv, Odesa and Donetsk. The exposition invites visitors to discover 17 art projects, including video works, installations and objects, paintings, graphics, photographic works and a performance.
Volodymyr Kaufman, the triennial's curator, says participants were selected based on the depth of their perspective, especially in relation to the existing situation in Ukraine.
"Even though these works could have been created before Russia's military action in Ukraine, they still go deeper into what we, the Ukrainians, are standing on, the extent of the trauma we have suffered. It is important to convey that the Ukrainian culture is an independent culture, worthy of attention and deeper exploration, and not an addition to the "Russian culture", as the world once viewed it," Kaufman said.