Exhibitions

Amidst Cries from the Rubble delves into the heart of Ukraine’s struggle. Surrounded by the weight and destruction of war, art practices and expressions of cultural identity emerge as beacons of resilience and hope. This exhibition brings together a selection of over seventy captivating works, highlighting the profound ways in which Ukrainians confront the realities of loss and devastation, transforming the remnants of conflict into powerful symbols of strength and healing. 

Through commissioned, large-scale photographs and evocative objects collected from the war-torn landscapes and communities of Ukraine, Amidst Cries from the Rubble follows the journey of a nation grappling with the daily trauma of death and destruction. Appropriating tools of war—shell casings, missile debris, ammunition boxes, helmets—Ukrainians breathe new life into these fragments of violence, infusing them with the spirit of human creativity. The exhibition consists of sixty-five objects in various media including photographs, paintings, drawings, sculptures, and textiles, as well as audiovisual works featuring artist process and performing arts videos, showcasing the myriad ways in which Ukrainians channel their resilience and fortitude. 

From children to spouses, from parents to injured soldiers, and from artists to civilians, each contributor offers a glimpse into their personal stories and triumphs. Through their art, they navigate the complex terrain of grief and loss, crafting a narrative of perseverance and remembrance that resonates deeply with Ukrainian cultural perspectives as well as folk and contemporary art practices. Each stroke of the brush, each sculpture wrought from the debris of conflict, serves as a testament to the human capacity to find solace and strength in the face of despair.

Amidst Cries from the Rubble: Art of Loss and Resilience from Ukraine includes sixty-five objects (12 of which are photographs) and eight videos. The exhibition is co-curated by Laura J. Mueller, PhD, Nina Medvinskaya, and Sasha Samuels and will include a companion publication to be released July 2025. Contact us to learn how you can present this powerful and poignant exhibition.