Exhibition 'Touching Strengths'
Exhibition 'Touching Strengths'
July 4 – August 3, 2025
O.V. Bleschunov Museum, Odesa, Polish St. 19
In July 2025, the O.V. Bleschunov Museum will host the exhibition 'Touching Strengths' — an emotional and profound narrative of creativity merging art, art therapy, and truths about war.
The project stemmed from an art marathon organized in November 2024 by illustrators Irina Potapenko and Maria Apryatova. The marathon saw participation from 47 women who shared their experiences of war, displacement, and adaptation through art and writing. Over the month, the participants explored 16 themes — eight for each reality.
'Touching Strengths' features a selection of participants' works printed with their permission. Each illustration is encased in the outline of the author's hand — a symbolic gesture of support and touch. These artworks convey not only aesthetics but also the courage to express, the ability to listen, and the strength to recover. The exhibition documents the war from the perspective of women living it daily — whether far from home or remaining in their homeland.
“Unfortunately, Ukrainians face danger and stress every day. Often, they are left alone with their pain. These stories help foster a sense of community, accept one’s experience, and draw strength for the ongoing struggle,” says exhibition curator Maria Apryatova.
The exhibition includes works from twelve authors showcasing over fifty individual pieces:
Olena Kulkova, Oleksandra Ilchenko, Kateryna Bohdanova, Liliya Shtekhel, Irina Potapenko, Aditi Andreeva, Olena Ra (Olena Babenko), Maria Zvonova, Ninel Martinuk, Irina Izotova, Alina Bezbabna, Maria Apryatova.
The exhibition is open for visitors from Thursday to Sunday, 11 AM to 5 PM.
