The “Help Ukraine Monaco” with the Svitlana Legka’s Charity Foundation “Svitlii” are invited to the exhibition “THE CHILDREN OF WAR”

The photo exhibition “The Children of War” in Monaco is the hope and dignity of Ukrainian youth in the face of war.

The “Help Ukraine Monaco” team and the Svitlana Legka’s Charity Foundation “Svitlii” present the photo exhibition “The Children of War” as part of the project “Children of War. Graduate 2024”, which is a moving testimony to the tragedy experienced by Ukrainian youth, a generation that became a victim of war. The exhibition will be held in the AIAP UNESCO Committee Hall 10 Quai Antoine 1er, on the first floor, from 01/23/2025 to 01/30/2025 with the support of the Monaco City Hall and the AIAP UNESCO Committee.

The exhibition presents a series of striking photographs by Serhiy Vovk, Valentina Petrovych and Valdemar Gorlushko. These Ukrainian artists capture the oppressive atmosphere of war-torn Ukraine with rare intensity. The young people depicted against the backdrop of destroyed school buildings damaged by Russian military aggression and the walls of shelters radiate inner strength and extraordinary dignity, despite the brutality of their daily lives. The contrast between their almost relaxed poses and the destructive surroundings evokes deep emotions. The visual approach of these photographers is reminiscent of the work of photojournalists such as Steve McCurry and James Nachtwey, who were able to illuminate human resilience in the face of horror.

As Albert Camus famously said: “In the depth of winter, I finally learned that within me there lay an invincible summer,” these photographs convey the idea of an unbreakable spirit hidden behind external chaos.

This project is both a social statement and a philosophical journey. It captures a historic moment while preserving the memory of how, even amidst the ruins, our children retain their strength and dignity. It reminds viewers that beauty, fragility, and understanding among these young people form the foundation upon which a future can be built. These photos show that this assaulted youth not only rises from the worst atrocities but also stands ready to create a stronger, freer, and beautiful country.

In order to give young Ukrainian graduates from the affected cities a moment of rest and joy, Zhanna Bubka and Kateryna Feday from the Help Ukraine Monaco team and Svitlana Legka organized a “magical break” for the graduates. Thanks to the collection of evening dresses, suits, shoes and accessories held in Monaco, these young people had a unique opportunity to choose festive outfits, use the services of professional hairdressers and makeup artists and capture this magical moment in a photo shoot.

During the exhibition, cultural events are also planned: a conference and a painting master class. As part of this exhibition, a conference will be held on Mykhailo Tereshchenko, a 19th-century Ukrainian philanthropist who spent a significant part of his life in Monaco. This conference will allow you to learn the fascinating history of this prominent figure and his contribution to the development of art and culture.

In addition, a master class on Petrykivka painting will be organized for children and adults. Petrykivka is a traditional decorative Ukrainian art, which is included in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Characterized by floral motifs and bright colors, this folk style uses cat hair brushes to create fine details. The master class will be a unique opportunity to get acquainted with this ancient technique and discover the richness of Ukrainian cultural heritage.

The Children of War exhibition is a powerful call for peace and a recognition of the resilience of the Ukrainian people. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, hope, beauty, and human dignity can flourish.

We invite you to visit this moving exhibition and express your solidarity with Ukrainian youth.

You can support the project “Children of War. Graduate of 2024” by joining the fundraising of the Svitlana Legka’s Charity Foundation “Svitlii” and making a charitable contribution to equip the shelter of Primary School No. 1 of the Hostomel Village Council, Buchansky district, Kyiv region.

More about the project