The Ukrainian pavilion was opened at the Malta Biennale

Artist Alevtyna Kakhidze

Website of the President of Ukraine

A thematic Ukrainian pavilion was presented at the Malta Biennale. The exhibition within the international project of contemporary art is dedicated to the decolonization of Ukrainians, and is presented by the artist Alevtina Kakhidze.

About this it is said on the website of the President of Ukraine.

As noted Olena Zelenskawho welcomed the participants of the exhibition, the project From South to North examines the experience of the war unleashed by Russia through the prism of Odessa. According to her, the city has changed a lot since the beginning of the full-scale invasion and continues to redefine reality in art despite constant shelling and destruction.

“We would like to see Biennale guests from all over the world first and foremost in Ukrainian Odesa, in Ukraine itself. Civilization and culture fighting chaos. He does not allow himself and others to be destroyed“, Zelenska stressed.

The name “From South to North” (From South to North) symbolically unites Odessa and Malta – the south of Ukraine and the south of the Mediterranean. The exhibition takes the focus of visitors’ attention from one maritime city to another and tells about the imperial past they encountered.

Alytyna Kahidze’s project consists of a video work created in collaboration with the artist Roman Himei, and installations. It was offered by the Past / Future / Art memory culture platform in partnership with the Odesa National Art Museum, NOS art production from Italy and the Ukrainian Institute.

“In the mirror of her own family history, the artist analyzes how the empire destroys the lives of different generations and how this sometimes invisible influence changes over time. Alevtyna Kakhidze superimposes the history of her family on the events of the 20th century in Ukraine and Europe, making a connection with the 21st century: the storyline is continued by the story of the artist’s personal experience during the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine”, added the first lady.

The Ukrainian pavilion was placed in two halls of the 19th century estate – Villa Portelli. They became curators of the pavilion Kateryna Semenyuk and Oksana Dovgopolova.

About the Malta Biennale

Malta Biennale (maltabiennale.art 2024) – a new international exhibition of contemporary art in Europe. It started on March 13 and will last until May 31, 2024. The event aims to rethink global ideas about art and society “on the basis of ideas originating from the deep south of the European continent”.

The Biennale was organized by the Maltese National Agencies for Museums, Restoration and Cultural Heritage Heritage Maltadevelopment and investment in the cultural and creative sectors Arts Council Malta and the MUŻA National Art Museum. The event takes place under the patronage of UNESCO and the President of Malta.