From September 5 to 14, 2024, the Goethe-Institut Hongkong hosted an impactful exhibition featuring the works of Ukrainian artist Kateryna Zhovta alongside poignant drawings from children involved in the “Mom, I See War” project. This event was more than just an art display—it offered the people of Hong Kong a glimpse into the stark realities faced by Ukrainians during the ongoing war.
Kateryna Zhovta: Art as a Means to Express Pain
After the Russian invasion, Kateryna Zhovta lost her job, prompting her to channel her emotions into art. Her series of paintings, displayed at the Goethe-Gallery, portrays Ukrainian women—mothers, daughters, sisters, and fiancées—without faces, a haunting representation of the emptiness and loss brought by the war. These powerful pieces reflect the emotional resilience required to be a woman in wartime—supporting others, remaining steadfast, and continuing forward despite overwhelming uncertainty.
Children’s Drawings in the Black Box Studio
The Black Box Studio showcased selected works from the “Mom, I See War” digital archive, which has collected over 15,000 drawings made by Ukrainian children. These artworks capture not only the pain and loss but also the enduring hope and dreams for a peaceful future. Having been exhibited in over 60 cities worldwide, Hong Kong has now become a significant part of this global journey to share these powerful stories of resilience.
The Culmination of the Exhibition: Ukrainian Culture Day
On September 14, the exhibition culminated in Ukrainian Culture Day, which brought together the local Ukrainian community and Hong Kong residents. The day featured traditional craft workshops, Ukrainian folk dances, and tastings of national dishes, creating a warm and vibrant celebration of Ukrainian culture far from home.
This exhibition could not have been possible without the dedication of our partners. We extend our heartfelt thanks to Goethe-Institut Hong Kong, Anna Od, and the Ukrainian community in Hong Kong for their invaluable contributions to organizing this event.
Representatives from the German Consulate, Irish Consulate, Polish Deputy Consulate, Spanish Consulate General, the Director of the Goethe-Institut, the Head of the EU Office in Hong Kong and Macao, Anna O., the owner of a Ukrainian restaurant in Hong Kong, the Deputy of the EU Office, the Coordinator of the Goethe-Institut, and a representative from the French Consulate attended the closing ceremony.
The “Mom, I See War” project continues its mission of sharing the stories of Ukrainian children through their art. We eagerly anticipate future opportunities to bring these vital voices to the world stage.