February 2025 promises to be eventful for art lovers. Ukrainian galleries and museums are opening the most anticipated exhibitions that reveal various aspects of culture, history and contemporary art. From deep reflections on the war to the revival of the names of forgotten geniuses, WomanEL offers 5 of the most interesting exhibitions that are worth seeing.
Content«Women's Code»«Substitution»«Universe of Love»«At the Epicenter of the Storm. Modernism»PinchukArtCentre Prize 2025
«Women's Code»
“Women's Code”: visual poetry of the female essence. Photo: elle.ua
Where: KIRISENKO ART GALLERY
When: February 2 – March 16
Artist Yevgeny Shapovalov invites viewers to a dialogue about the female experience through bold colors, dynamic compositions, and powerful symbols. In his paintings, goddesses, Amazons, townswomen, and mythological figures challenge stereotypes and rethink their own history. This exhibition is not just art, but an opportunity to take a new look at a woman's world full of strength, freedom, and depth.
“Substitution”
“Substitution”: How Consciousness Adapts to War. Photo: elle.ua
Where: Triptych Art Gallery
When: February 2–21
Olesya Trofimenko explores psychological defense mechanisms through art. Her works embody the way the brain replaces frightening reality with more acceptable images. Explosions resembling flowers and destruction that transform into bizarre patterns demonstrate how art helps to survive the most difficult moments of life.
“Universe of Love”
The most anticipated exhibitions of February. “Universe of Love”: opening named after Lyubov Panchenko. Photo: elle.ua
Where: Museum of the History of the City of Kyiv
When: February 13 – June 1
The first large-scale retrospective of the artist Lyubov Panchenko returns a forgotten name to the Ukrainian cultural space. Her bright ornamental works, unique textiles and paintings became part of the Sixties movement. Panchenko suffered oppression from the Soviet authorities, and in 2022 she died in Bucha after the occupation. This exhibition is not only a tribute to her talent, but also a powerful symbol of the indomitability of the Ukrainian spirit.
“In the epicenter of the storm. Modernism”
“In the epicenter of the storm. Modernism”: the return of the legendary collection. Photo: elle.ua
Where: National Art Museum of Ukraine
When: from February 21
Paintings by Ukrainian modernists who traveled around Europe for two years are returning home. Over 50 key works by 27 20th-century artists reveal the boldness and revolutionary spirit of the era. This is an opportunity to see how Ukrainian art broke canons, created new styles and influenced world culture.
PinchukArtCentre Prize 2025
PinchukArtCentre Prize 2025: a new generation of Ukrainian art. Photo: elle.ua
Where: PinchukArtCentre
When: from February 28
PinchukArtCentre will present an exhibition of the finalists of one of the most prestigious contemporary art awards in Ukraine. 20 young artists reflect on the challenges of our time through installations, paintings and digital art. Their works are reflections on identity, social trauma and the future, which they try to comprehend through creativity.
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