Esteemed Ukrainian Artists including Oleksandr Dubovyk, Ganna Kryvolap, Olena Ryzykh and Davyd Sharashydze, and photographer Serhii Mykhalchuk will take part in an exhibition and charity auction.
Highlights of the Kyiv Art Sessions Ukrainian Art Festival will include a classical music concert featuring acclaimed violinist Bohdana Pivnenko and pianist Anna Khmara.
Dom Master Klass Ukrainian cultural centre and Art Shield present “Heat Ukraine Now” Ukrainian Contemporary Art Charity Exhibition and Sale as part of the Kyiv Art Sessions (Winter Season) at Old Sessions House, London from 1st to 2nd February, 2025.
In the heart of winter, as temperatures plummet and challenges mount, the “Heat Ukraine Now” exhibition and sale of the works of Ukrainian contemporary artists will stand as a beacon of solidarity and support for Ukraine, and showcase genuine and life-affirming art, created by emerging and established creators. The highlight of this initiative is a charity exhibition and sale of exceptional artworks by Ukrainian artists, culminating in a closed auction.
The guests at the event will have a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the pulse of Ukraine nowadays: its colours, emotions, energy, and the unwavering determination of its people, despite all the challenges the country has to face.
Moreover, the two-day event will raise vital funds to restore warmth and functionality to homes, hospitals, military medical facilities, and other critical infrastructure damaged by Russian aggression. By purchasing a piece of art, attendees not only gain a unique, meaningful creation to enrich their lives but also deliver warmth and hope to Ukrainians — both literally and symbolically.
Taking place during the Kyiv Art Sessions Festival at the Old Sessions House in London, this event invites visitors to experience the resilience, creativity, and hope of the Ukrainian people through art.
Register for the two-day event here.
Featured Artists and Works
The exhibition and sale will showcase an impressive lineup of Ukrainian artistic talent, including:
Oleksandr Dubovyk: A pillar of the Ukrainian avant-garde and a prominent figure in the history of Ukrainian contemporary art, a representative of the unofficial art of the Soviet era, or “the underground”, the bearer of the “National Legend of Ukraine” honour. The artist creates artworks on the borderline of figurative and non-figurative art.
Ganna Kryvolap: A Kyiv-based famous artist, that creates vibrant works with the horizons of the Ukrainian capital city. Created during the large-scale invasion, the works stand out for their sense of time. Through the plasticity, structure, and colour of the works, one can see the strong spirit and all the challenges that Ukrainians, Kyiv city, and the country are going through during the ongoing war of Russia against Ukraine.
Olena Ryzykh and Davyd Sharashydze: Established Ukrainian contemporary artists.
Emerging Talents: Artists from the acclaimed “Echoes and Visions” exhibition project, including Burenko Bohdan, Ellada, Feldman Sisters, Feros (Serhii Hrekh), Hrybovych Yehor x Kolotashvili Yevhenii, Kondakov Alexey, Kozynets Dmytro, Notuko (Natalia Brichuk), Podlyashetska Dzvinya, Sereda Taras, Shulipa Danya, Smolkina Daryna, SOC.I.A, Taraspense, and Vasylenko Maria.
Art Photography
The exhibition will also feature significant photographic works, including those created by:
Serhii Mykhalchuk: Ukrainian and international director of photography and photographer, a winner of the Silver Bear at the Berlin Film Festival and dozens of international awards for best cinematography. Serhii Mykhalchuk’s photos are a creative reflection of the heroic struggle of the Ukrainian people for independence and identity. The selection of art photography by Mykhalchuk includes images of intense events – Kyiv and the surrounding region in the spring of 2022, the severe missile terror on the capital in the latter half of 2022, devastating attacks in the Kharkiv and Donetsk regions, line of contact: every photograph is a visual story, a page of history, each art piece is hand-signed by the author.
Unique War Fragments
The War Fragments Museum unique war artifacts encased in transparent cubes, offering a powerful visual representation of the war’s impact on human lives. Each cube serves as a testimony to survival and the personal stories of those affected by the ongoing war.
The Closed Charity Auction
Exclusive artworks will be offered at a close auction, providing art collectors and patrons with an opportunity to acquire selected pieces while contributing to a meaningful cause.
The two-day exhibition and sale runs within the Kyiv Art Sessions Ukrainian Art Festival and will feature a programme of cultural and artistic events.
Highlights include a classical music concert on Saturday, 1st February, showcasing the works of
outstanding Ukrainian composers performed by Bohdana Pivnenko, known as the “first violin” of
Ukraine, and Anna Khmara, one of the country’s finest pianists. On Sunday, 2nd February, the
programme continues with the “People of Steel” documentary screening and an acoustic live
performance by Serhii Fomenko. Additionally, panel talks with thought leaders will explore the
intersection of art, culture, and humanitarian aid.
The People of Steel project focuses on the heroic defense of Mariupol, Ukraine, the armed
confrontation with Russia during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. It highlights the Ukrainian
defenders’ sacrifices, the challenges faced by prisoners of war, and the urgent need for international
attention to secure their release. Directed by Serhii Fomenko, a Ukrainian musician and cultural
figure, a member of Ukraine’s Territorial Defense Force since the full-scale Russia’s invasion in 2022,
who has extended his creative work into the realm of filmmaking, the documentary aims to raise
awareness and prompt action against violations of human dignity in captivity. The film is set to screen
in major international forums to amplify its impact. Additionally, the exhibition of Matviy Vaisberg’s
(Weisberg) graphics, “Chronicles of War,” intricately tied to the creation of the documentary film
“People of Steel,” will serve as a significant part of the event. “The main goal of the film is to ensure
that those in captivity are eventually released and do not remain without media
coverage,” emphasizes Serhii Fomenko.
“It is crucial today to present Ukraine as an integral part of European culture — equal, rightful, and
capable of significantly contributing to the broader European cultural context. Equally important is
addressing universal human themes that resonate with individuals regardless of their nationality,
professional or educational background, or level of artistic perception. As our musical genius,
Valentyn Sylvestrov once said, “True music is where the Human exists.” Similarly, we must showcase
artistic projects that centre around the Human experience. And we must do so thoughtfully,
consistently, and with purpose.” Irina Budanska, Co-Founder of Dom Master Klass Ukrainian
Cultural Centre.
“We are at a crossroads for Ukrainian culture. The question is not just whether we are witnessing the
last generation of Ukrainian artists but if we are seeing the most defining generation of European
artists in the 21st century. Ukrainian culture carries this extraordinary weight and power, and it is
essential to ensure its story is not just preserved but amplified globally. To strengthen this focus, there
must be a concerted effort to support and celebrate Ukraine’s incredible talent. This isn’t just about
survival; it’s about recognition and creating a platform for these voices to shape art history. Great art
has always emerged from moments of profound upheaval, and Ukraine’s vibrant culture is poised to
make an unparalleled impact on the global stage.” Edward Akrout, Founder of Art Shield.
“While Ukraine defends itself in these challenging times, art holds the power to honestly and
emotionally convey the story of these pivotal moments. Through the language of culture, it is possible
to bring the truth to a wide audience and highlight the importance of protecting fundamental principles.
The festival’s content originates from the very heart of Ukraine and is the epicentre of global historical
events. Created during the war, these works of art — paintings, photographs, performances — travel
from Ukraine alongside musicians and artists to the festival. Together, they serve as a universal
medium of information straight from the source. This is a truthful, sincere, and authentic testimony of
events shaping our present and future. Now, during the trials of winter, art becomes not only an
ambassador but also a defender.” Yuliya Bukus, Project Coordinator, Dom Master Klass
Ukrainian Cultural Centre.
“It is not only the charitable cause but the quality and vitality of Ukrainian art that should propel you to
acquire it.” Kateryna Serdiuk, CEO of Subjektiv.art
“I created my drawing “Glory to Ukraine!” at the very beginning of the full-scale war. I realised that
while some would defend the country, others would fight, and others still would organise aid for
refugees, I could contribute through my art. I believe that the most important thing is to preserve
spiritual strength and confidence that Ukraine will not always remain broken and sorrowful. Ukraine
will be beautiful, bright, and exactly as we dream of it now — and as we have always dreamed. I
deeply believe this because I am a cosmic person; I look beyond my own life, observe the processes
unfolding in the world, and understand that there are things of far greater significance.” Oleksandr
Dubovyk, prominent Ukrainian artist
Funds raised during the event will be used to support Ukrainians enduring the harshest months of winter, in a country steadfastly fighting for freedom and justice.
The target funds to which the proceeds from the charity event will be directed:
Insulate Ukraine is defending Ukraine against the cold. Since the start of the war, millions of windows have been blown out by bombs or bullets. Soaring energy prices and sub-zero winter temperatures make this an urgent problem as windows are a key component of good building insulation. Insulate Ukraine has created a new simple window design, that are triple-glazed polyethene windows designed to protect against the cold. To date, they have installed over 36,000 windows across the frontline.
PDMSh is a mobile hospital of harbouring hope. It is the largest team of civilian medical volunteers who have been saving lives on the front of the Russian-Ukrainian war for more than 10 years now, evacuating the wounded and treating the sick. In the past year, PDMSh has transformed not just into one of the most effective medical units of Ukraine’s Defense Forces, but into a true laboratory (or design bureau) for frontline medicine. In 2024, in collaboration with manufacturers, they designed and built the world’s first medical all-terrain vehicle, the “Sherp,” and the armoured medevac “Dzhura.” Next, they are setting their sights on creating a large-scale medevac vehicle based on the “Kozak” platform.
“Heat Ukraine Now” Ukrainian Contemporary Art Charity Exhibition and Sale is at Old Sessions House, London, 23 Clerkenwell Green, London, EC1R 0NA, United Kingdom on 1st and 2nd February, 2025.
The Event is organised by: Dom Master Klass, a Ukrainian cultural centre, a non-profit organisation that envisions its mission in the development and promotion of Ukrainian culture in Ukraine and worldwide. And Art Shield is a non-profit organisation committed to nurturing and empowering artists around the world, especially those threatened by censorship, oppression or war.
