Ten Ukrainian Artists Featured in New York's 'Modern Freedom' Exhibition

Modern Freedom Exhibition Opens in New York

According to Главком: An international showcase titled 'Modern Freedom' has launched at the Pilecki Institute in New York, bringing together works from over 80 contemporary artists representing ten countries, including ten from Ukraine. The exhibit runs through August 31, 2026. The Pylyp Orlyk Foundation, invited by Poland's Pilecki Institute in the United States, curated the Ukrainian segment.

Participating nations alongside Ukraine are:

• Poland
• Czech Republic
• Slovakia
• Georgia
• Lithuania
• Moldova
• Romania
• Bulgaria
• Germany

The exhibition features projects noted for their depth and contemporary relevance. Highlights include:

• Zhanna Kadyrova's 'Palianytsia' project
• An audiovisual installation titled 'Explosions Near the Museum' by Yarema Malashchuk and Roman Khimei
• Serhii Petliuk's kinetic installation 'When the Fog Lifts'
• Dasha Chechushkova's textile piece 'Mara'
• Canvas series by Krystyna Melnyk and Nataliia Lisova
• Sofia Kozlova's work 'Horizon Lines'

Sofia Kozlova, who has been weaving camouflage nets for the military since 2022, shared:

“In my work, I address the theme of volunteering, specifically the creation of camouflage for our army. These horizon lines are made from the fabric we use to weave camouflage nets. Most of the materials carry their own stories: a fallen soldier's uniform, shirts donated by troops, children's clothing, and fabrics brought by volunteers.”

Nataliia Lisova also emphasized the significance of presenting Ukrainian art internationally:

“Having a piece in New York right now is a powerful artistic statement during the fifth year of Russia's full-scale invasion. I firmly believe that art remains one of the few truly sincere forms of expression in today's world, making it crucial to speak about Ukraine through art on the global stage.”

The exhibition is organized by the Pilecki Institute in the United States and the University of Ostrava. Ukrainian partners include the Pylyp Orlyk Foundation, the Verkhovna Rada Committee on Humanitarian and Information Policy, and the Odesa National Art Museum.

Cultural Events in Ukraine

Alongside the Modern Freedom exhibit, the Museum of the History of Kyiv has extended its display 'I Shook This World,' honoring Ivan Marchuk's 90th birthday, which will remain open through June 21, 2026. The launch of Modern Freedom reinforces the message that Ukraine exists not only as a nation defending its freedom today but also as a country with a robust and profound cultural heritage. Yaryna Yasynovych noted that “works created by people during wartime are an integral part of the contemporary European space of freedom.”

The Modern Freedom exhibition underscores the role of Ukrainian art on the international stage, particularly amid the current challenges facing the country. Through their work, Ukrainian artists can share their narratives and experiences, fostering cultural exchange and global solidarity. This event demonstrates that even in difficult times, culture remains a vital tool for expression and support. By providing a platform in New York, the exhibition helps elevate Ukrainian artists and reinforces international solidarity with Ukraine.

The significance of international exhibitions in showcasing Ukrainian art cannot be overstated, especially in light of recent controversies. For instance, Victor Pinchuk's criticism of Russia's readmission to the Venice Biennale highlights the ongoing dialogue about representation and the importance of artistic expression during challenging times. This context amplifies the relevance of the 'Modern Freedom' exhibition and its role in promoting Ukrainian creativity on a global stage.