Discussion “Silence and Testimony: How and Where to Talk About Violence?”

On Friday, October 10, at 18:30, we invite you to the discussion “Silence and Testimony: How and Where to Talk About Violence?” as part of the exhibition Personal Accounts by Gabriel Galayat.

The event will take place on the 2nd floor of PinchukArtCentre, within the exhibition space. Participation is free, registration required.

Personal Accounts is a project in which women and people with diverse gender experiences share their personal stories of patriarchal violence. The discussion will provide a space to reflect on themes raised in the exhibition — experiences of violence, vulnerability, the power of testimony, and collective care.

• How can we talk about violence, and is it always necessary, or can silence also be a form of protection?
• Where do people find the strength to speak about their experiences, especially in times of war?
• What role do feminist and queer artistic practices play as spaces for testimony and listening?
• How can society create spaces of support and solidarity?

These and other questions will be explored together with experts during the discussion.

Participants:

• Maria Vtorushyna (they/them) — curator, researcher, art historian, working with concepts of freedom, queer and feminist epistemologies, gender diversity, and gender coloniality. Currently pursuing a PhD at Europa-Universität Viadrina; previously worked as a researcher at the Centre for Gender and Diversity (Maastricht University), the international department of Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden (Dresden), and Künstlerhaus Bethanien (Berlin); former editor-in-chief of Artslooker Magazine. From 2016–2022, directed Kyiv Art Week. 
• Viktor Pylypenko — Ukrainian military, participant in the Russian-Ukrainian war, Orange Revolution, Revolution of Dignity, and Language Maidan; founder of the community of Ukrainian LGBT+ military personnel and veterans, chair of the NGO “Ukrainian LGBT+ Military for Equal Rights.” 
• Victoria Teolohova — clinical psychologist and psychotherapist. Graduated from Bogomolets National Medical University in 2013 (Medical Psychology) and the School of Psychotherapy Development, Group Psychoanalysis track, in 2016. 12 years of practice, specializing in complex cases and vulnerable groups. Currently coordinates the psychological service at the Women’s March. 
• Olena Shevchenko — human rights defender, LGBT+ activist, co-founder of the Women’s March, and chair of NGO Insight. Expert in strategic development, international partnerships, gender equality, and minority rights.
  

Moderator: Yana Brenzei — Ukrainian journalist, TV presenter, and blogger. Started as a correspondent in the economic department of UNIAN, and since 2016 works at STB channel. From reporter to host of Vikna-Novyny. Since 2022, hosts guest studios in the United News marathon on ICTV. Actively advocates for gender equality and fights sexism and stereotypes in media and society. Co-author of the social YouTube project Palaє, covering feminist and socially important topics.

The discussion is organized in partnership with NGO Insight and NGO Ukrainian LGBT+ Military and Veterans for Equal Rights.