Various Ukrainian artwork features at international art show in Japan

Ukrainian exhibits were recently showcased at the IFA Exhibition, an international art exhibition in Kobe, Japan. 

Featured works included works of art by artist Oksana Lykhota, a photo exhibition by Viktor Yevtushuk and calligraphy by students from the Dzhereltse Ukrainian school, according to the nonprofit Kraiany Association of Friendship Ukraine-Japan. 

Unfortunately, Ukraine is primarily known to the Japanese for the 1986 Chornobyl nuclear disaster and Russia’s war of aggression, said Natalya Kovalova, who chairs Kraiany’s board of directors.

“The Japanese still know very little about our traditions, culture and art. However, in recent years, alongside support for Ukraine in various areas – economic, cultural, educational and more – there has been a growing interest and desire to learn more about our history, culture, traditions and cuisine,” she said.

Presenting Ukrainian culture to a Japanese audience also helps keep Ukraine in the headlines despite a decline in news coverage, Kovalova added.

The IFA Exhibition has a history spanning more than 40 years. Its purpose is to foster cultural exchange through art to transcend nationality and ethnicity.

“For the third consecutive year, we have the opportunity to introduce the works of Ukrainian artists at the IFA Exhibition in Kobe. Traditionally, all participants present their works in person,” Kovalova continued.

Visitors and artists from other countries have the opportunity to see the presentations of Ukrainians, while gaining a better understanding of the emotions they are currently experiencing. 

“It is gratifying that both last year and this year, Ukrainian works received accolades from the organizers and sponsors of the exhibition,” Kovalova said.

This year, the exhibition is being held at the Hyogo Prefectural Museum of Art. It began on September 18 and featured a total of 220 paintings, calligraphy pieces and photographs. The artworks originate from a range of countries, including Japan, China, Thailand and Ukraine, with 64 items displayed in the Ukrainian section.