Colori Spenti (Faded Colours): Summing up
From 18 to 28 November, the Centro Brera Gallery in Milan hosted the exhibition, which aimed to highlight environmental destruction and the preservation of cultural heritage amidst the ongoing war.
The exhibition included digital reproductions of Lyubov Panchenko’s collages Into the World, Red Viburnum, and In the Starry Space, alongside photographs of Polina Rayko’s frescoes Leopards and Angels, and Zhanna Kadyrova’s video work Russian Rocket 2022. The concept juxtaposed the vibrant colours of the artwork with the destruction caused by Russian aggression in Ukraine.
Polina Rayko had transformed her house into a unique art space, later destroyed by flooding after the Kakhovka hydroelectric power station was blown up. Lyubov Panchenko, whose art drew inspiration from Ukrainian traditional culture, tragically died during the occupation of Bucha. Zhanna Kadyrova’s works reflect the war, turning symbols of destruction into powerful artistic statements.
“Ukraine and its people exist alongside their culture, art, and dedication to their cause. And they will continue to exist. Thank you for reminding us of this at this beautiful and moving exhibition. Ukraine’s past, present, and future are also our European past, present, and future. Glory to Ukraine!” — Sofia Ventura, Associate Professor at the University of Bologna, an exhibition visitor.
This was the first time Polina Rayko’s and Lyubov Panchenko’s works were exhibited in Italy. A public programme accompanied the exhibition, including an opening evening and discussions on ecology and Ukrainian art during wartime. Visitors could access information about the artists through leaflets and purchase OLIZ scarves featuring reproductions of their works.
As part of the communication campaign, ten videos were created for the Italian audience covering topics such as Ukrainian art, renowned female artists, design, architecture, the dissident movement, and environmental war crimes. In one month, the campaign reached 15 million users on social media. Over 20 Italian publications, including Corriere della Sera, La Stampa, and Sole24Ore, covered the project.
“Art is the purest and most beautiful way to express pain. These women exemplify this, transcending their painful historical and biographical circumstances. Their art has rendered them immortal. This exhibition aims to showcase at least a fragment of their eternity,” — Vittoria, an exhibition visitor.
The Ukrainian Institute organised the exhibition and campaign in collaboration with Linkiesta, supported by the Embassy of Ukraine in the Republic of Italy. Project partners include the Museum of the History of the City of Kyiv, the Museum of the Sixties, the Polina Rayko Kherson Regional Charitable Foundation, and Aimbulance Agency.
Linkiesta.it is an independent Italian online newspaper dedicated to investigative journalism.