Imagination’s Refuge: A Kyiv Exhibition Inspires War-Affected Children to Dream Again

Imagination’s Refuge Exhibition

According to Рубрика — Суспільство: Opening on November 11 at the Kyiv Art Gallery, the exhibition titled 'Imagination’s Refuge' highlights how creativity and fantasy help children affected by war rediscover the ability to dream. Running until December 13, the showcase offers a glimpse into a child’s perspective on the world through tales and surreal visions. This initiative is supported by the psychosocial support network 'Tvoi,' the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine, and other collaborators.

The Kyiv Art Gallery is located at 9 Tereshchenkivska Street, Kyiv. The 'Tvoi' psychosocial support network, involved in organizing the event, operates 21 centers across Vinnytsia, Ternopil, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zakarpattia, Lviv, and Chernivtsi regions. This network was established by the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine alongside the National Social Service of Ukraine.

Featured Artists

The exhibition presents works by a diverse group of artists, including:

• Maria Prymachenko
• Oleksii Sai
• Oleh Tistol
• Illia Chichkan
• Oleksandr Hnylytskyi
• Nathan Markman
• Iryna Koval
• Roman Minin
• Yana Bystrova
• Dmytro Hrek
• Yurii Denisenkov
• Artem Deineka
• Andrii Dudchenko
• Maksym Mamsikov
• Danik Mandzhos
• Roman Mykhailov
• Dmytro Moldovanov
• Mykyta Naslimov
• Pavlo Nikitin
• Olena Prykhodko-Kyslykh
• Yurii Solomko
• Valeriia Trubina
• Illia Isupov
• Zina Isupova
• Tetyana Iliahova
• Leonora Yanko
• Oleksandra Chichkan
• Ave Libertatemaveamor

This exhibition underscores the emotional wounds inflicted by war, beyond physical harm. As Konstantyn Doroshenko pointed out:

“War wounds not only the body but also crushes the power of dreams, narrowing the horizon of imagination to mere survival. Yet, children possess a natural, strong will to live. Imagination is a vital tool in that struggle.”

Key partners making this event possible include the OSCE Support Programme for Ukraine, the National Social Service of Ukraine, Blue Velvet Underground Gallery, and the Abramovych Foundation. Media partners include KAMO and Hromadske Radio. 'Imagination’s Refuge' represents a crucial effort to assist children affected by conflict in reclaiming their dreams and hopes.

By celebrating creativity as a form of healing, the exhibition not only features renowned artists but also provides a platform for emerging talents to express their feelings and experiences during wartime. This powerful initiative plays a significant role in the psychosocial recovery of young survivors, offering them a renewed belief in the power of dreams and imagination.

As the 'Imagination’s Refuge' exhibition showcases the resilience of children through art, another impactful initiative has emerged in Lviv. The interactive exhibit has successfully relocated and raised significant funds for Ukrainian museums, demonstrating the power of creativity in healing and preserving culture amidst adversity.