Veronika Kozhushko

In solemn remembrance, this exhibition honors the countless lives lost and communities shattered by the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine. From civilians caught in the crossfire to courageous soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine and volunteer military units who stand in defense of their homeland. Their sacrifice remains a testament to all who continue our fight for freedom, leaving an everlasting trace in our hearts and in our shared history.

Since the beginning of the war, many Ukrainian artists have become a part of the defence. Some of them remained in the rear, using their art to document and reflect the cruelty of war, empowering the cultural independence of Ukraine and its visibility. Others engaged in defending their country on the battlefield, dedicating their lives to a determined act of struggle. Losing many voices has left an irreplaceable gap in the Ukrainian cultural landscape, one that will echo for generations to come.

This space is dedicated to honoring the memory of Veronika Kozhushko, who died on August 30, 2024, as a result of the Russian missile strike on Kharkiv’s civilian infrastructure. A young promising artist, writer, and volunteer, she was an integral member of the local cultural community and held a special place in the lives of many. In the meeting of the Selection Committee of the PinchukArtCentre Prize 2025, which happened shortly after the tragic event, it was decided to select Veronika Kozhushko, who applied for the Prize, for a Special Mention outside the competition. Published after the artist’s death by her friends and associates, a book with her poems and drawings is presented among the exhibition as a lasting tribute and poignant reminder of all the lives lost in the ravages of war.