27 September 2024 – 19 January 2025
An installation titled UKR|RUS, a sculptural work by artist Molly Gochman, will open at the Ukrainian Museum in September alongside the Alexandra Exter: The Stage Is a World and Volia: Ukrainian Modernism exhibitions. The installation invites us to question the devastating human cost and destruction caused by aggressive imperialism, and to celebrate the resilience of Ukrainians, their rich cultural history, and the future that so many are fighting to defend. The installation will feature a bench in the shape of the Ukraine-Russia border as it is defined by Ukraine and recognized by international law. Constructed using an assemblage of reclaimed wood, rubble, and various types of ground surface materials, including marble, the installation acknowledges the scars of conflict while simultaneously suggesting the possibility of rebuilding and healing. The work draws parallels between physical and metaphorical boundaries, explores the complex dynamics that exist around borders, and provides a space to reflect upon the ongoing struggle of Ukraine and its people. In the face of Russian aggression, the Ukrainian border is a manifestation of Ukraine’s unique identity, culture, and history, and a reflection of its sovereignty. Parts of the bench will be installed in historically Ukrainian communities across New York City and will be paired with programming at cultural institutions and organizations that support and exemplify Ukrainian culture – first and foremost, the Ukrainian Museum.
