An Azov veteran will unveil artwork created during his captivity in Russia for the first time.

Exhibition: 'Etched / Tempered'

According to Главком: On May 15, the National Museum of the History of Ukraine will open the exhibition 'Etched / Tempered', marking the first public display of works by Mariupol defender and Azov veteran Vitalii Kulagin, who uses the artistic pseudonym Marian Bielokin. Kulagin spent 35 months in Russian captivity, and the themes of his pieces took shape during his imprisonment in Olenivka, Taganrog, Kirovske, and Kizel, in pre-trial detention centers and prisons. The exhibition will run until May 22, with the opening ceremony scheduled for 3:00 PM on May 15.

Venue and Significance of the Exhibition

The 'Etched / Tempered' exhibition will be held at the National Museum of the History of Ukraine, located at 2 Volodymyrska Street. It is worth noting that during the siege of Mariupol, up to 90% of the city's housing stock was destroyed or damaged, and the population dropped from 420,000 to approximately 100,000 people. These figures highlight the immense devastation faced by the city's residents.

“The world must remember the pain of the City of Mary and the courage of those who defended it. What was tempered in the hell of war must remain etched in the milestones of history.”- Vitalii Kulagin

The exhibition 'Etched / Tempered' aims not only to showcase the artist's works but also to draw attention to the tragic events that have unfolded in Ukraine.

This exhibition represents a crucial step in preserving the memory of the events that took place in Mariupol and their impact on the lives of its inhabitants. Beyond the artworks, the display seeks to emphasize the need for recognition and discussion of the tragic consequences of the ongoing war in Ukraine. The exhibition may also serve as a platform for dialogue about post-conflict recovery and rehabilitation, which is vital for the future of Ukrainian society.