The artists share a common vision of tradition—not just as a way of preserving the past, but as a living means of expressing and understanding the present, fostering connection, and building empathy. As Rolando Hernandez explains: 
“We focused on creating traditional Ukrainian musical instruments, which we decorated with Mexican patterns, particularly from the Mixteca Alta region in Oaxaca. Through hours of conversation, the distant regions began to feel closer. We realized that our celebrations, textiles, music, and even our ways of communicating are more alike than we had imagined.” 

The project began during a residency at MC6 in Slavsko, Ukraine. Rolando Hernandez was invited by the Ukrainian Institute to visit the country and immerse himself in its culture. 

The results of their collaboration were presented in February 2025 at the Material Art Fair during Mexico City Art Week, within the booth of Rolando Hernandez and his organization Yutindudi. Their joint exhibition featured traditional Ukrainian instruments crafted in Slavsko—such as a Ukrainian pipe and sopilkas—adorned with Mexican designs. The exhibition not only introduced Ukrainian culture to the Mexican public, but also served as a platform for cross-cultural exchange. 

As part of the fair, a discussion titled “Ukrainian and Mexican Traditional Instruments: Commonalities and Distinctions” was held, along with a concert titled “Tradition is That Which Goes Through the Pores of the Present.” 

More than 500 people attended the events featuring Dmytro, and coverage in the Mexican media reached over 4,000 people, spreading awareness of Ukrainian culture. Beyond its artistic merit, the project became a powerful tool for strengthening ties between Ukraine and Mexico. 

The project was supported by the International Renaissance Foundation with the assistance of the Cultural Diplomacy Foundation.