‘We are very proud and honoured to be involved in promoting Ukrainian art in Italy. We Italians are lucky to live without Russian missiles flying overhead, but we still haven’t realised that it is Ukraine that protects us all from it and stands for our freedom. Taking part in this project is the least our newspaper can do to influence the formation of public opinion in Italy with articles, ideas, and truthful information against pernicious Russian imperialism,’ said Christian Rocca, editor-in-chief of Linkiesta.

These artists are united not only by their talent but also by a deep connection to nature and the cultural heritage of Ukraine. Polina Rayko transformed her house into a unique art space, which was destroyed by a flood after a dam was blown up. Lyubov Panchenko, whose work is inspired by Ukrainian traditional culture, did not survive the occupation of Bucha. Zhanna Kadyrova uses her work to speak about today’s war, turning symbols of destruction into powerful artistic statements.

‘The exhibition of Panchenko and Rayko’s works in Italy is more than just a display of art. The bright colours of their works contrast with the tragedies that Russian aggression has brought: deaths, environmental disasters, and scorched earth. It is crucial to convey this reality to Italians, as many still feel sentiments for the so-called “great Russian culture,”’ said Ksenia Kalyna, author of the idea and Head of the Ukrainian Institute’s Communications Department.

The exhibition, running until 28 November, is an opportunity for the Italian public to see a Ukrainian perspective on the environmental crisis caused by the war. 

‘This exhibition is an opportunity to remind the Italian audience about the war in Ukraine and to introduce them to our art. Through the works of Lyubov Panchenko, Polina Rayko, and Zhanna Kadyrova, we sought to show the tragedy of the destruction that Russia has been causing for decades. Colouri Spenti points to the vulnerability of nature and heritage, inviting us to reflect on its conservation despite attempts to destroy it,’ said Ilona Demchenko, cultural manager, and Oksana Semenik, art historian, co-curators of the Colouri Spenti exhibition.

A communication campaign and a public programme followed the exhibition:

• 20 November: A panel discussion on Ukraine’s cultural and environmental losses from the Russian war.
• 26 November: A meeting entitled ‘Discovering Ukrainian Art’.