The Voloshyn Gallery in Kyiv showcases pieces from two up-and-coming Ukrainian artists at Expo Chicago
Since Russia initiated its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Max and Julia Voloshyn, the married duo behind Kyiv’s Voloshyn Gallery, have relentlessly persevered in exile and attended art fairs across Europe and the US. Alongside their appearance at Art Brussels (20-23 April), they will feature works by two Ukrainian artists at Expo Chicago. The couple declares, “We must continue our work. The art scene is another front on which we are fighting.”
At the Expo, the Voloshyns will exhibit creations by conceptual artist Mykola Ridnyi and painter Oleksiy Sai, each offering distinct perspectives on the impact of Russia’s invasion. Ridnyi’s Shelter series (2012-13) comprises concrete sculptures inspired by Soviet-era bomb shelters scattered throughout Ukraine. These shelters were abandoned or repurposed after the Cold War but have since been utilized following Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014 and the recent invasion. On the other hand, Sai’s Bombed series (2020) features earlier canvases that the artist alters by scrubbing, sanding, and drilling holes into them, transforming them into abstract representations of aerial views depicting crater-marked landscapes intersected by trenches.
In addition to attending international art fairs, the Voloshyns plan to reopen their Kyiv gallery, which closed at the beginning of the invasion. The couple asserts, “This is our contribution not only to the future of the culture of independent Ukraine but also a significant contribution to the victory itself. We need to work for our people.”
Ridnyi and Sai’s artwork is expected to resonate with Chicago’s substantial Ukrainian community, as over 50,000 individuals in the city identify as having Ukrainian heritage. This makes Chicago the second-largest home to Ukrainian Americans after New York. The city also hosts the Ukrainian National Museum and the Ukrainian Institute of Modern Art in the Ukrainian Village neighbourhood, establishing Chicago as a center for Ukrainian cultural activities.
Furthermore, the Voloshyns hope that by showcasing Ridnyi and Sai’s artwork at Expo Chicago, they will raise awareness about the ongoing conflict and foster solidarity within the global community. The impact of the featured artists’ work transcends borders and highlights the universal human experience of struggle, loss, and resilience.
Moreover, the success of Ukrainian artists at international art fairs serves as a testament to the vitality of Ukrainian culture and its potential to thrive despite adversity. It demonstrates that art, in its various forms, can function as a powerful tool for inspiring change, promoting dialogue, and uniting people under shared values.
As Expo Chicago unfolds, art enthusiasts and visitors can expect to encounter thought-provoking and emotionally charged artwork that delves into the complex reality faced by Ukrainians during these challenging times. The event will provide a platform for the Voloshyns to amplify the voices of Ridnyi and Sai, as well as other Ukrainian artists, and further strengthen the international presence of Ukrainian art.
Through their tireless efforts in art, Max and Julia Voloshyn contribute to preserving and growing Ukrainian culture and paving the way for a brighter future for their homeland. By courageously showcasing the talent and creativity of Ukrainian artists, they demonstrate that art can transcend conflict and become a beacon of hope and unity for people across the globe.
