KYIV — A contemporary art fair in Kyiv has brought together artists, galleries and cultural institutions in a powerful reflection on how creativity can help society cope with the realities of war and preserve hope for the future.
Held under the title This is Normal, the Art Kyiv fair explored how Ukrainians are adapting to a daily life shaped by missile strikes, loss and uncertainty, while continuing to defend and nurture the country’s cultural identity.
Art as a Reflection of Wartime Reality
Speaking at the event, Art Kyiv director Anna Avetova said organizing the fair during wartime was an important statement about resilience and continuity.
“Holding the event during wartime means not waiting for a better moment, but working with reality as it is,” Avetova said. “Art does not stand apart from life — it helps make sense of the present, preserve cultural continuity, and lay the groundwork for the future.”
The exhibition at the Lavra Gallery featured hundreds of artworks ranging from abstract paintings and surreal portraits to sculptures and atmospheric landscapes. Despite the ongoing conflict, organizers deliberately avoided dedicating specific sections to war-themed works.
“The war is always in the air, but we did not want to make it the sole focus,” Avetova explained. “Art is one of the things that keeps us human. It sustains us and warms our soul during difficult times.”
Supporting Ukraine’s Cultural and Creative Economy
Organizers said the fair also aimed to revitalize Ukraine’s domestic art market, which had already faced challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic before being further disrupted by Russia’s invasion.
The event brought together many of Ukraine’s leading galleries, artists, collectors and cultural organizations, offering creators an opportunity not only to express themselves but also to rebuild economic activity within the cultural sector.
Art Kyiv, launched in October after the outbreak of war, is being held for only the second time since the conflict began.
Artists Find Strength Through Creativity
Ceramic artist Tala Vovk presented her work publicly for the first time and described art as a way to temporarily escape the emotional burden of war.
“Art is a place where everyday worries disappear,” she said, adding that cultural events help strengthen society even during difficult periods.
For Ukrainian artist Yuriy Vatkin, painting became a source of survival during the early weeks of Russia’s invasion, when he was trapped in occupied territory near Kharkiv. Even after his studio was damaged in an attack, he continued creating art as a means of preserving his mental well-being.
His works displayed at the fair reflected his signature style of layered brushstrokes, fragmented forms and vivid colors that convey movement and emotional intensity.
Culture Continues Despite the War
Visitors said the continuation of cultural events during wartime serves as a reminder that life and creativity endure despite hardship.
Attendee Anna Domashchenko said the vibrant colors and emotional depth of the artworks offered inspiration during challenging times.
“Sometimes you wonder whether it is appropriate, but these are exactly the things that remind you life is still full of color,” she said. “Even in times as hard as these.”
BY: The Times Union
