The exhibition of cut-outs by Ukrainian artist Maria Gupalo is dedicated to the events of the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022.
The artist reflects on the experience of her compatriots during the heavy battles: young mothers giving birth and caring for their babies during the shelling, Ukrainian soldiers helping civilians evacuate Irpin, the suffering of raped women and Russian acts of genocide in occupied Bucha. Courage and hope, despite the seemingly hopeless situation. The story of the heroic defenders of the Azovstal metallurgical plant in besieged Mariupol and the horrific crime against prisoners of war in Olenivka. Terrible discoveries in the de-occupied cities and villages of the Kharkiv region.
This exhibition is organized to inform and immerse viewers in the everyday experiences of Ukrainians during the full-scale invasion. War art is a therapeutic tool and a way to convey the lived experience. The artist also seeks to share her philosophical ideas about war and humanity, as well as to show traditional Ukrainian art techniques from a modern perspective. Art becomes a means of therapy for the artist and for the viewers, encouraging them to reflect on their experiences and overcome trauma.
