Art Exhibition in Helsinki: Spotlight on Ukraine
The Ukrainian Society of Finland (USF) hosted an exhibition titled “Open Ukraine” in Helsinki. The exhibition took place from May 9 to May 11 at the Oodi central library.
This collaborative project involved Ukrainian photographer Kateryna Mostova.
“Through photographs, texts, and video experiences, the exhibition highlighted the effects of Russian aggression on the lives of people displaced from Crimea and Donbas since 2014,” said USF.
This artistic initiative also featured lectures and discussions on war, refugee issues, and solidarity.
On May 9, Professor Henrik Meinander delivered lectures discussing the transformation of European policy concerning refugees. Attendees also listened to Professor Martti Tally's talk about the evacuation of 430,000 Karelians and the parallels with Ukraine, as well as a lecture by Maria Zhigurt, who emphasized the crucial role of the Ukrainian language as a form of resistance.
“On May 10, the focus shifted to Ukraine's liberation struggles in the 20th and 21st centuries: Oleksandr Kostiuk discussed the role of the scouting movement, Oleksandr Yarosky highlighted civil resistance during Soviet times, Oleksii Prykhodko spoke about Finlandization and historical threats, while Maria Zhigurt illustrated how the Ukrainian language evolves during wartime,” noted USF.
Recordings of the lectures will be available on the USF YouTube channel.
“Special thanks to all speakers, participants, Kateryna Mostova, as well as the organizers and representatives of the Society, Arsenii Svyinarenko and Iryna Horkun-Silen,” stated USF.
