Ukrainian War Collages 2022-2024 by Denise Hawrysio

The Shevchenko Museum cordially invites to you attend an exhibition of Ukrainian War Collages 2022 – 2024 by Denise Hawrysio from March 2 to 28, 2025 in the foyer gallery of the Shevchenko Museum, at 1604 Bloor Street West, Toronto. Opening: Sunday, March 2, 2025, 2 – 5 pm.

From the first days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, a new reality occurred for people of Ukrainian heritage such as Denise. Notions of sovereignty, democracy, and social responsibility suddenly took on a greater sense of urgency. As theorist Vincent Lloyd writes, "The inertia of the ordinary sweeps us along, muting all but the most mundane worries. But in moments of tragedy, of deep decision, of disruption, of evil, in moments when we step out of the pull of the ordinary, we understand that something is amiss in the world."  “The feeling that something is amiss in the world has often informed my art practice, but it now affects me with a renewed sense of magnitude and purpose,” says Denise.

Since the war began, Denise has been searching for ways to respond to the atrocities in Ukraine, a difficult task in the face of genocide. She completed a set of collage images which have been shown in London, UK and which are being sold to raise funds for the Ukrainian Civil Defence through the web site "Someone Prays for You". These 24 collages juxtapose images excised from old National Geographic magazines and WWII war journals with contemporary imagery from Ukraine.

This exhibition is a fundraiser for Ukraine. All proceeds from the sale of the collages will go to medical aid for wounded Ukrainian soldiers.

Admission is free, although donations are greatly appreciated.

Gallery Hours: Mon, Tue, Wed, Fri: 10 am – 4 pm, Thurs: 12 – 7 pm, weekends – by appointment