The exhibit focuses on the complexities of war
“Kiss Before the Evacuation”
Mason Exhibitions at George Mason University presents “A Closer Look: Conflicted Art from Ukraine,” a new show that delves into the complexities of war through the eyes of 12 contemporary Ukrainian artists.
The exhibition, on display from May 17 to Aug. 23 at Mason Exhibitions Arlington (3601 Fairfax Drive), is curated by Sophie Bae in collaboration with Yevgen Nemchenko of Conflicted Art.
“The exhibition seeks to explore various themes and narratives surrounding conflict, encouraging viewers to engage with the artworks for deeper understanding and reflection,” Bae said. “It underscores the significance of staying informed and engaged with global conflicts, as ignoring them only aggravates the situation.”
Through various mediums, including photography, video, painting, sculpture, literature, and installation, these artists offer diverse perspectives from the periphery of the conflict zone. Their creations prompt viewers to move beyond mere statistics and headlines, encouraging thoughtful reflection on fundamental aspects of life distorted by violence and uncertainty.
“We have to keep looking; we cannot start looking away,” Bae said. “We cannot lose interest and attention. Even if it seems distant, the issue still affects us. Ignoring it will only worsen matters. We want people to realize how to deal with conflict by transporting them into a conflict through art.”
Moreover, by immersing viewers in the complexities of conflict through art, the exhibition encourages contemplation on how individuals navigate and resolve conflicts in their lives, bridging the gap between the Ukrainian conflict and personal experiences.
“Ultimately, our goal is to create a platform for ongoing dialogue and reflection on conflict resolution and reconciliation,” Bae said. “This fosters a deeper understanding of the human experience amidst conflict and empowers viewers to contribute to positive change.”
Participating artists include Kristina Otchich-Cherniak, Natalia Shynkarenko, Roman Rabyk, Natalia Amirova, Anatoliy Kvitka, Vitalij Zdebskij, Rusty Trawler, Sergiy Simutin, Nata Levitasova, Eugene Baraban, Roman Bonchuk, Elena Alyabyeva and Andriy Dubchak.
Bae sought artists whose work directly addressed the realities of conflict in Ukraine and the social issues caused by war, providing diverse perspectives and artistic styles. Subthemes such as displacement, psychological trauma, human rights, societal vulnerabilities, systemic problems, global repercussions, and the grim realities of war-induced crimes affecting individuals on the front line were considered.
“Each artist was chosen based on the depth and authenticity of their engagement with the subject matter, as well as their ability to provoke thought and dialogue through their art,” Bae said. “The integration of diverse artistic mediums enriches the exhibition’s narrative, creating a nuanced and immersive experience. Each artwork serves as a distinct thread, woven together with others to depict the same event from various stylistic angles.”
These diverse artistic mediums collectively engage in dialogue through their own style and interpretation, working in harmony to create a multi-dimensional narrative that explores the complexities of conflict from various angles and perspectives.
“By presenting the same event through different artistic lenses, the exhibition prompts viewers to contemplate the multifaceted nature of conflict and its profound impact on individuals and societies,” Bae said.
She noted that collaborating with Nemchenko was an inspiring and enriching experience.
Additionally, the expertise and contributions of Conflicted Art, including their commitment to showcasing the human side of conflict through art, added depth and authenticity to the exhibition.
“Working alongside Yevgen and Conflicted Art allowed us to curate a collection of artworks that not only shed light on the realities of war but also fostered dialogue and empathy among viewers,” Bae said. “Overall, the collaboration was a testament to the power of art in addressing complex issues and bringing people together in support of a common cause. We are grateful for the opportunity to work with such dedicated individuals and organizations, and we hope that the exhibition will make a meaningful impact in raising awareness and supporting Ukrainian artists as well.”
Through the exhibition, Bae aspires for visitors to leave with more than just a fleeting experience; rather, they depart with a profound understanding of the multifaceted nature of conflict and its far-reaching impacts.
“While conflict may seem distant or confined to specific regions like Ukraine and Russia, its reverberations are felt globally and within the depths of individual consciousness,” she said. “By immersing visitors in the artworks and narratives presented, we seek to provoke introspection and critical reflection. We aim to ignite a spark of curiosity and empathy within each visitor, compelling them to confront the complexities of conflict with an open mind and a compassionate heart. Through this process, we hope to foster a deeper sense of understanding and interconnectedness among visitors, bridging divides and nurturing a sense of shared humanity.”
