Among the most captivating exhibitions of the month in Kyiv are a major exposition by Matviy Vaysberg at the Ukrainian House, a project dedicated to Ukrainian patrons, and contemporary, evocative photography at a new gallery near the Golden Gate.
“To/Nation”
Until February 15, “Khlibnya,” Sofia Kyivska Museum Reserve
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“To/Nation” is an exhibition at Sofia Kyivska dedicated to Ukrainian patrons who, throughout various historical periods, supported education, science, culture, and art. It highlights that without their involvement, national universities, museums, and cultural continuity would not exist. The exhibition blends historical examples—from Kostiantyn Ostrozky, Halshka Hulevychivna, the Bezborodko family, the Tereshchenkos, and the Khanenkos—with contemporary philanthropists.
“In Search of Lost Meaning. Matviy Vaysberg”
Until February 15, Ukrainian House
This exhibition is dedicated to the memory of the Holocaust victims. It showcases over 200 paintings and graphic works by Matviy Vaysberg, created over the last three decades. These pieces serve as a concentrated artistic contemplation of complex and painful issues of collective memory and trauma, contemporary challenges, and the human ontological experience.
“In Search of Lost Meaning” is a collaborative project between the National Historical and Memorial Reserve “Babyn Yar” and the Ukrainian House.
“With Female Artists, Curators, and Golden Sunsets”
Until March 8, Khanenko Museum
The project “With Female Artists, Curators, and Golden Sunsets” marks the first solo exhibition of Anna Sapon. It presents a series of 11 large “carpets” on canvas, created using the tufting technique, along with two art objects, drawings, paintings, and texts that offer a deeper immersion into her artistic world.
Anna Sapon is an artist and co-founder of the “Atelier Normalno” workshop and “Prekarna”—an art center for collaborative work between neurotypical and neurodivergent artists. The exhibition is curated by Katya Libkind, co-founder of “Atelier Normalno” and “Prekarna,” and an artist and curator of art projects. In her reflections, Anna Sapon strives to approach the image of paradisiacal beauty. Her works, texts, and songs are filled with imagery of golden waterfalls, enchanted gates, radiant air, and intensely profound emotions. To each carpet, Anna adds a poem—what the carpet might convey to viewers.
AVANGARDEN EDITIONS
Until March 1, Avangarden Gallery
For all collectors and art enthusiasts: the Avangarden gallery is hosting an exhibition of limited edition prints. The exposition features works by Oleksandr Aksinin, one of the most prominent figures of Lviv nonconformism; artists of the Ukrainian underground, Volodymyr and Lyudmyla Loboda; etchings by Oleksandr Sukholit; silkscreen prints by Anatoliy Bazylevych; woodcuts by Heorhiy Yakutovych; and lithographs by Volodymyr Manzhos (WaOne, Interesni Kazki). Limited editions by contemporary male and female artists will also be displayed.
Pavlo Makov Exhibition
Until February 8, The Naked Room
An exhibition by Pavlo Makov, one of the most renowned Ukrainian artists, presents new works from the “Abracadabra” series. This serves as a sort of epilogue to the artist’s book of the same name, published by IST Publishing in December. In this project, the artist captures the state after completing a major cycle he worked on for the past 11 years, expressing a need to “finish speaking” when the main message seems to have been conveyed.
Spilne Art x MYPH Photography Prize
Until February 11, 369 Space Kyiv
The Spilne Art x MYPH Photography Prize exhibition of conceptual photography brings together projects by the three finalists of the award: Oleksiy Charey, Dara Petrova, and Mark Chehodaev. Each artist explores the theme of full-scale invasion in their own way, capturing different perspectives on experiencing the war in Ukraine and beyond.
Oleksiy Charey’s photo project reveals the viewpoint of a military serviceman—a person immersed in the military experience, defending the country and its citizens. Dara Petrova’s works focus on the impact of war on the lives of people in the rear and tell their personal stories. Mark Chehodaev’s project addresses the issue of forced emigration and investigates the attempts of Ukrainians abroad to build new or “temporary” lives. The series centers on spaces that were once an integral part of Austria’s tourist infrastructure: former hotels and resorts now housing displaced persons.
“Salty Dew”
Until February 23, “Bez Nazvy” Gallery
The “Salty Dew” photo exhibition is dedicated to one of the most mystical folk holidays—Ivan Kupala. This is a collective project by photographers Khrystyna Podobed, Daria Svertilova, Anastasia Lazurenko, photographer Yevhen Volkov, and artist Sana Shakhmmuradova-Tanska. The shooting took place in Dzembronia, the highest mountain village in Ukraine. The series features twelve women as its protagonists—friends, acquaintances, and girls who joined the project out of curiosity. Today, “Salty Dew” exists as a photo book and an exhibition project: the series is presented in a chamber exposition format at the Kyiv gallery “Bez Nazvy,” and from April 23 to 26, there will be an opportunity to see the exhibition in a different rhythm and scale at the Sheriff Gallery in Paris.