An exhibition titled “Kyiv – Venice” will open in Kyiv
On July 30, the exhibition project “Kyiv–Venice” will open at the M17 Center for Contemporary Art in Kyiv. It will bring together works by Ukrainian artists exploring themes featured at the Venice Biennale and offer visitors a space for quiet contemplation, reflection, and creative dialogue.
On July 30, the M17 Center for Contemporary Art will open a new exhibition project titled “Kyiv–Venice.” Its creators aim to symbolically connect two European waterways—the Dnipro River and the Venetian Lagoon—and use art to explore inner balance, memory, traditions, and the search for new meanings.
The organizers emphasize that the exhibition is not an attempt to replicate or reinterpret the Venice Biennale. It is an independent Ukrainian project that merely engages in a dialogue with the themes of one of the world’s most famous art events. The central idea of the exhibition is “minority”—not as a symbol of sadness, but as an opportunity to slow down, be alone with oneself, and listen more closely to one’s own feelings.
Inspired by the Venice Biennale
This year’s Venice Biennale is titled “In Minor Keys.” Its concept was developed by the late curator Koyo Kuo, who proposed exploring life, humanity, mutual support, and harmony with nature. M17 has decided to continue this conversation through the lens of the Ukrainian experience.
The organizers note that the modern world is increasingly confronted with wars, environmental crises, social trauma, and a reevaluation of the colonial past. That is why it is especially important today to find places where one can pause, recharge, and reflect on what has been experienced.
A Space for Tranquility and Interaction
The exhibition is structured as a unique journey. Visitors will pass through various thematic zones that combine painting, installations, sound, poetry, movement, embroidery, gardening, and meditative practices.
The organizers say they wanted to create not just an exhibition, but a place where people can slow down a bit. “Our goal is to distract, to draw people into a state of reverie and enchantment, inviting visitors to slow down and allow new experiences to unfold,” note the project’s curators.
According to them, the exhibition is structured around several thematic routes featuring spaces for rest, contemplation, and creative interaction. The final stop will be the inner courtyard of the M17 Center, which the creators refer to as a “Creole garden”—a place where one can be alone with one’s thoughts.
Ukrainian Artists and Creative Dialogue
Dozens of Ukrainian artists are participating in the project. Among them are Maria Prymachenko, Tiberiy Silvashi, Oleg Golosiy, Andriy Siderskyi, Nelly Isupova, Anastasia Podervyanska, Oksana Bryukhovetska, Natalia Lisova, Viktoria Kalashnyk, Alina Khorolska, and many others.
The works are grouped into thematic sections, including “Magical Beasts,” “Living Canvas,” “Frequencies of the Soul,” and others. The exhibition is curated by Natalia Shpitkovska and Yulia Bukus. The project was organized by the team at the M17 Center for Contemporary Art.
When is the opening?
The opening of the “Kyiv–Venice” exhibition project will take place on July 30 at 6:30 p.m. The exhibition will be on view at the M17 Center for Contemporary Art at 102–104 Antonovycha Street, Kyiv.
Admission to the opening will be free, but the organizers ask that you register in advance. The exhibition is supported by the Adamovskiy Foundation, and the Ukrainian essential oil brand Aroma Fields is the project’s olfactory partner.
M17 notes that this project is an experiment in creating an open artistic ecosystem where artists and viewers can not only observe but also interact, learn from one another, and together seek new meanings through contemporary Ukrainian art. You can register for the opening via this link.
As a reminder, the prominent Ukrainian émigré artist Zoya Lisovska-Nyzhankivska has passed away.
On the night of July 21, Oleksandr Garbarchuk, a soloist with the “Zhyttia” Dance Theater and Honored Artist of Ukraine, passed away. He had been battling cancer for a long time.
