Lviv, a city in Ukraine, has become a safe haven for war victims fleeing Russian assaults and violence since 2014. It has been a center for humanitarian projects like Superhumans and Unbroken, offering rehabilitation, support, therapy, and prosthetics to those affected by war. Despite not experiencing the same level of attacks as other regions in Ukraine, Lviv is still impacted by the ongoing war, with recent airstrikes causing civilian casualties.
Recently, I had the opportunity to visit The Stammering Circle, a key part of Faktura 10, a year-long series of art events held mostly in Ukraine. The exhibition, curated by Marta Kuzma, draws inspiration from the work of poet Paul Celan, exploring themes of language, art, trauma, and resilience in the face of war. While many of the artworks on display were created years ago and not directly related to the current conflict, they all reflect the context of war and human resilience.
One striking series in the exhibition is Boris Mikhailov’s “Structures of Madness,” which features photographs of rugged landscapes that resemble human figures. These images take on new meaning in the context of wartime, symbolizing the deep connection between people and their land. Similarly, American artist R.H. Quaytman’s paintings resonate with the social issues faced by Ukraine today, drawing parallels between past and present struggles.
Yana Kononova’s black and white photographs of mud volcanoes in Azerbaijan, coupled with archival images of oil infrastructure, highlight the role of fossil fuels in conflicts like the one in Ukraine. The juxtaposition of geological time and human conflict in her work underscores the impact of resource exploitation on global conflicts.
The exhibition also features works by Nobuyoshi Araki and Walid Raad, whose photographs and prints evoke themes of nature, war, and resilience. Araki’s sunflower symbolizes hope and resilience in the face of adversity, while Raad’s abstract prints draw connections between art, war, and memory.
Overall, Faktura 10 offers a thought-provoking exploration of art’s role in times of war, weaving together diverse perspectives on trauma, resilience, and human experience. In a city like Lviv, where the scars of war are still fresh, this exhibition serves as a reminder of the enduring power of art to reflect, heal, and inspire. The art world is often a reflection of the society in which it exists, capturing its joys, sorrows, conflicts, and triumphs. In a recent exhibition showcasing the work of various artists, the themes of war, identity, resilience, and colonialism were explored through a variety of mediums and perspectives.
One of the standout pieces in the exhibition was Walid Raad’s series of prints titled “Appendix 153” (2019). Raad’s fictional narrative accompanying the prints tells the story of an apocryphal Palestinian artist, Suha Traboulsi, who allegedly took photographs in the late 1950s that were later perceived as Op-Art but were actually based on shell explosions in war-torn Beirut. Each print is accompanied by a small photograph of an explosion, blurring the lines between beauty and terror, art and brutality. Raad’s innovative approach to transmuting the horrors of war into art is both sly and poignant, challenging viewers to confront the complexities of conflict and its aftermath.
Julie Poly’s photography series, “Ukrzaliznytsia,” offers a different perspective on war and resilience. Through intimate portraits of individuals within Ukraine’s national rail system, Poly captures moments of everyday life that exude joy, love, sorrow, and endurance. The humanity in her images stands in stark contrast to the inhumane acts of war, offering a glimpse into the resilience and spirit of the Ukrainian people amidst adversity.
In another installation at the exhibition, set designer Janina Pedan and artist Anna-Mariia Kucherenko showcase Ukrainian symbols and ornaments dating back centuries, celebrating the rich cultural heritage that Putin seeks to erase. The film by Moyra Davey at the Jam Factory explores the lives of diasporic artists tied to Ukraine, highlighting the enduring influence of Ukrainian identity on global art and culture.
Filmmaker Oleksiy Radynski’s video “Where Russia Ends” sheds light on the exploitation of Indigenous peoples in Siberia under the Russian Empire and the Soviet Union, drawing parallels to the current conflict in Ukraine. The video serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing legacy of colonialism and the devastating consequences of war and ecocide.
Overall, the exhibition offers a multifaceted exploration of war, identity, resilience, and colonialism through the lens of contemporary art. Each artist brings a unique perspective and voice to the conversation, inviting viewers to reflect on the complexities of conflict and the enduring power of art to provoke thought, challenge norms, and inspire change. The Spanish artist Francisco Goya was deeply affected by the turmoil of war, and this sentiment is palpable in the exceptional exhibition currently showing in Lviv. Goya’s own experiences during his lifetime bring a historical weight to the artworks on display, resonating with viewers even two centuries later.
The exhibition, titled “The Stammering Circle,” curated by Marta Kuzma, is a powerful and thought-provoking collection of pieces that can be seen at various venues throughout Lviv, Ukraine until November 2. Goya’s pieces, such as “Disparate femenino” and “Modo de Volar,” showcase his mastery of etching, aquatint, and drypoint on laid paper. These works reflect the artist’s inner struggles and his ability to capture the essence of war and human suffering.
One cannot help but feel the intensity and emotion behind Goya’s creations, as they transport viewers to a time of unrest and chaos. The pangs and dreams depicted in his art still hold relevance today, serving as a reminder of the enduring impact of conflict on the human psyche.
As visitors walk through the exhibition, they are confronted with Goya’s haunting imagery, which serves as a stark reminder of the atrocities of war. The juxtaposition of beauty and brutality in his work leaves a lasting impression, prompting viewers to reflect on the darker aspects of human nature.
In addition to Goya’s pieces, the exhibition also features works by other artists, such as Nobuyoshi Araki and Boris Mikhailov, adding depth and diversity to the overall experience. The Jam Factory Art Center provides a fitting backdrop for these powerful artworks, creating a space where history and contemporary art converge.
Overall, “The Stammering Circle” is a must-see exhibition for art enthusiasts and history buffs alike. It offers a unique opportunity to delve into the mind of a master artist who was deeply influenced by the tumultuous events of his time. Through Goya’s work, we are reminded of the enduring power of art to transcend time and speak to the universal human experience. The world of technology is constantly evolving, with new advancements and innovations being made every day. One of the most exciting areas of technology right now is artificial intelligence (AI). AI is the simulation of human intelligence processes by machines, especially computer systems. It is revolutionizing the way we live and work, and is expected to have a major impact on nearly every industry in the coming years.
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