In this huge neo-baroque building, the large exhibition halls are empty. On the walls, there are only ropes that were used to hang the paintings. Time seems to stand still.
There is only the sound of the footsteps of the director of the establishment which resonates and the distant echo of the war. What we did a month ago was painful
explains Ihor Kozhan.
Hundreds of paintings, engravings and sculptures were removed, carefully wrapped and hidden around the city, sometimes in underground shelters.
This exhibition hall of the National Museum in Lviv has been emptied of its contents.
Photo: TurnedNews.com / Louis Blouin
This monumental operation took ten days. The work is not finished. The museum team must constantly ensure that conservation conditions remain optimal.
Ihor Kozhan makes it his duty to protect his country’s heritage. In this museum we have unique pieces that are priceless
he explains.
The institution is recognized for its impressive heritage collection, including icons, folk engravings and ancient manuscripts.
” If a piece were to disappear, no matter how small, it would be a loss not only for Ukraine but also for the culture of the whole world. »
Ihor Kozhan wonders when he will be able to hang his paintings again. With a neighbor like ours, it’s hard to predict
, he says in reference to Russia. He is looking forward not only to seeing his works again but also to welcoming the public again.
Specialized transport boxes were used to move the works of art.
Photo: TurnedNews.com / Louis Blouin
Keep the art alive
If museums seem to have lost their soul due to the war, institutions are fighting to keep art alive.
The National Academy of Arts in Lviv welcomed students from conflict zones to enable them to continue their training.
Adaptation is not always easy.: \”Sorry, I’m not prepared for the course because I haven’t been able to reach my father for a week\””,”text”:”Today a girl said to me: \ “Sorry, I’m not prepared for the course because I haven’t been able to reach my father for a week\””}}’>Today a girl said to me: “Sorry, I’m not prepared for the course because I haven’t been able to reach my father for a week”explains artist and teacher Yaryna Choumska. These people are very brave
she adds.
Artist and teacher Yaryna Choumska chats with her student, Mykhaïlo Zoubchaninov.
Photo: TurnedNews.com / Louis Blouin
Mykhailo Zubchaninov, a passionate student of photography, fled Kharkiv and the bombardments. His memories are vivid and dramatic. I was preparing food and heard the whistle of a missile. I ran away from the window and threw myself to the ground
he says.
In darker times, his only solace came when he held the hand of a young woman who was with him. It became the bridge between life and death
he explains.
This moment inspired him to plan an exhibition of photographs representing hands.
A photo taken by Mykhailo Zubchaninov, a student of the National Academy of Arts in Lviv
Photo: Mykhailo Zubchaninov
Mykhaïlo is determined to lead the fight against the Russian invader in his own way: with his art.
Russia has invaded our country and is trying to destroy our culture, but we are not going to let this happen.
he blurts out.
Art is at the heart of our culture
says Katya, a visual arts student, sitting in front of a large canvas.
Katya, a student at the National Academy of Arts in Lviv, feels the need to express herself through her art.
Photo: TurnedNews.com / Louis Blouin
The colors of his work are as vivid as his emotions. An orange silhouette embodies pain. Another will symbolize the fight. The war, as heartbreaking as it was, became a source of inspiration. I’m sad, but my desire to create is stronger than ever
she says.
Art is proof that we exist
explains another student, Geyla. We have never felt so Ukrainian as since the beginning of the war
she points out.
