On September 27, the Art and Film Biennale Kyiv 2017 opens at the National Taras Shevchenko Museum. The project will continue the intercultural dialogue between Ukraine and Germany. The exhibition features works of German and Ukrainian artists. The event’s program includes screenings, musical performances, lectures and public discussions, said Kateryna Ray, Project Curator from the Ukrainian side, at a press briefing at Ukraine Crisis Media Center.
“We chose Ukraine because we want to show that besides problems and the conflict, Ukraine has a lot more to tell the world about, including art,” said Angela Henkel, Project Curator from the German side.
From the German side, the Biennale will be attended by six artists representing the German city of Worpswede (Lower Saxony). “We will be able to see the pieces of artists who work and express themselves in a small German city. It is important for us to show those works and ideas that can be implemented in any community, regardless of its size. Worpswede can be an example for Ukrainian artists illustrating how people can co-exist and change a city through culture and art,” said Olena Pravylo, Head of the NGO “Congress of Сultural Activists”. “Our work, especially in terms of decentralization, is aimed to show small cities how they should develop through art,” said Yevhen Nyshchuk, Minister of Culture of Ukraine.
The works of artists will be united by the common subject – “Trading Illusions.” “We have not only brought German artists to Ukraine but also united them with Ukrainian artists. I think this adds zest to the project. It is interesting for us to compare how German and Ukrainian artists will cope with this subject and how they will translate it into the language of art,” said Angela Henkel. “It’s great that German artists will be able to show their views on the topic of illusions and the situation in Germany. We will also have the opportunity to understand what Ukrainian artists think about their country and how they transform the reality in their art,” noted Jurgen Haase, Project Curator from the German side, Biennale Director.
There are several public discussions to be held within the framework of the Biennale. “We will talk about the way Ukraine goes to Europe, and the way Ukrainian artists live in Ukraine during this period of changes and reforms,” said Jurgen Haase.
German and Ukrainian officials will also be involved in the event. Among them are the Ambassador of Germany to Ukraine and the Minister of Culture of Ukraine. “It is important that on the one hand, politicians support the project, and on the other, we can unite Ukrainian and German artists. I think the project may result in many useful contacts for the country,” noted Mr. Haase. “I hope that such a work will have a certain system. This is not just a one-time PR event. The significance of culture for the first persons of the state and the state institutions has been changing progressively,” said Yevhen Nyshchuk.
The exhibition will continue till October 17 at two locations – at the National Taras Shevchenko Museum, and the Ducat Gallery. To participate in the opening ceremony, you need to register (via Facebook page: Arts and Film Biennale, Trading Illusions). The detailed program of the event can be found on the official website of the NGO “Congress of Activists of Culture of Ukraine.”
