Ukrainian Art Exhibition opens in Jakarta

It is been more than one year since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, creating a humanitarian crisis in the country and bringing so many negative impacts to the world. Ukrainian artists are poignantly portraying their country’s suffering and their hopes for peace through their work. The Embassies of Canada, Finland, France, Ukraine and the Delegation of the European Union in Jakarta proudly present the Ukrainian Art Exhibition, which will feature artworks by Pictoric, a Ukrainian collective of artists dedicated to collecting and creating art by local artists depicting the war. This exhibition will not only serve a strong gesture of solidarity, but also to spread awareness about the continuing atrocities of war and to fight the apathy that outsiders may feel as news of the war become commonplace.

The Ukrainian Art Exhibition was officially launched on 27 July by the Ambassadors of France, Ukraine and the European Union, and the Chargés d’Affaires of the Embassies of Canada and Finland at Institut français Indonesia (IFI) Wijaya, South Jakarta. The exhibition will be open to the public starting from 28 July until 9 August.

The exhibition will be complemented by an Artist Talk discussion on July 28. This hybrid discussion will feature as speakers Prof. Dr Martinus Dwi Marianto from Indonesian Arts Institute (ISI) Yogyakarta, Dr Indro Moerdisuroso from State University of Jakarta, Aino Cantell-Nouvet, the curator of the exhibition, and Oleg Gryshchenko and Anna Sarvira, two of the Ukrainian artists whose artworks are displayed at the exhibition, Another discussion to complement the exhibition is also planned and will focus on the current situation in Ukraine that forms the backdrop of the artworks on display.

The exhibition builds on similar successful exhibitions that have taken place in various cities globally, including in Berlin, Paris and Warsaw. A teaser version of this exhibition was held at Alun-Alun Eropa event in Jakarta on May 6.

Quotes

“The artwork on display at this exhibition is a testament to the bravery of the Ukrainian people. The artists poignantly portray the human face of this illegal war and we hope it will help all those who attend to gain new perspectives on the effects of Russia’s aggression.” - Mark Strasser, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Canada

“I am expressing my full solidarity with the Ukrainian people. That is why we support the Pictoric art collective, whose artworks are on display in Indonesia starting today. Art is a way to express emotions, reflect on historical events and convey important messages. The artworks on show today are a powerful tool to build bridges and connect people from different culture, across Europe to Indonesia. They also remind us of the courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst the devastation brought by Russia to Ukraine, a country that does everything possible to rise from the ashes of war.” - H.E. Vincent Piket, Ambassador of the European Union 

“The artists’ works tell the stories of enduring under Russian shelling of Ukrainian cities, under shelling of livelihoods and lives. The exhibition reminds us that we as a humans need to stand in solidarity with Ukraine, against illegal attacks on territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence.” - Silja Kanerva, Chargé d’Affaires of the Embassy of Finland

“This exhibition is of great importance to us, because it draws the attention of the Indonesian public to the impact of Russian aggression on the lives of common Ukrainians. I am grateful to Ukrainian artists, whose courage and inspiration allow us to share our pain and grief with the rest of the world. These pieces of art can deliver something to our souls that cannot be reached otherwise. Notably, the collection is not only about the war: it embodies notions of humanity and freedom that are to be valued here and now. I express my sincere gratitude for the support and solidarity of Canada, Finland, France, and certainly of the European Union. No doubt, justice, and peace will prevail, the evil will be defeated and punished. We are stronger when united. Merdeka atau mati!” - H.E. Vasyl Hamianin, Ambassador of Ukraine