Life Goes On
Life Goes On is a non-profit Finnish-Ukrainian art project about the war against Ukraine through the eyes of the country's young artists. It is a platform for young Ukrainians to depict their experiences of the war through art.
I was a part of the team that carried out the project from the development of the idea and the search for grants to the implementation of it in the format of a photo book and events. I also took part in the selection of the participants, hanging the exhibitions and documenting the progress.
The project is non-profit, trilingual (Finnish-Ukrainian-English), and available for a wide audience. It was supported by Kone Foundation and Kansan Sivistysrahasto.
Exhibitions
Despite the initial plan to arrange five exhibitions in different Finnish cities, the geography of the project expanded to another Eastern European country, Lithuania. Life Goes On has traveled to Tampere (Hirvitalo and Vivi galleries), Helsinki (Kajava, Vapaakaupunki galleries), Pori (T.E.H.D.A.S. ry gallery), Utena Local Lore Museum, and even had a pop-up at the Climate Security Festival in Helsinki on the invitation of the Initiative for a Safer Climate.
Photobook
What is the book about? War, Ukraine, and perseverance. We gathered young Ukrainian artists — their wartime pictures, reflections on the present, and dreams of the future and combined them in this photobook. You can read it in Finnish, Ukrainian, and English.
The photobook was our companion at exhibitions and film screenings, and free copies were given to the audience. We have also donated copies to libraries around Finland.
You can view and download the book for free using this link.
Movie screenings
The team held four screenings of the movie "Super-Eva" by Pavlo Suslyakov, a part of his film almanac "The First Outpost." The documentary film tells about childhood during the war against Ukraine.
"Through living the experience of war with children, we create a manifesto about respect for the child. While the country on its external outpost is fighting for its freedom and democratic values, the film almanac "The First Outpost" talks about the struggle that takes place every day deep in the rear, in every family." — Pavlo says.
The screenings were followed by a panel discussion about life in wartime Ukraine and the role of an artist at a time of war, moderated by Ida-Emilia Reini, the coordinator of the project.
"Through living the experience of war with children, we create a manifesto about respect for the child. While the country on its external outpost is fighting for its freedom and democratic values, the film almanac "The First Outpost" talks about the struggle that takes place every day deep in the rear, in every family." — Pavlo says.
The screenings were followed by a panel discussion about life in wartime Ukraine and the role of an artist at a time of war, moderated by Ida-Emilia Reini, the coordinator of the project.
Didukh Workshop
During an event in Taidetila Muijala art space and artist residency in Reila the residents of the small village learned how to make didukhs. A Ukrainian Christmas decoration, it is made from a sheaf of wheat, and is a symbolic sacrifice taken from the autumn harvest.
Accompanied by Ukrainian Christmas carols, we created traditional didukh decorations and screened Ukrainian documentaries. Through the films and discussions, the Finnish audience had the chance to learn about the situation in Ukraine. The workshop also provided opportunities for cultural exchange, fostering the sharing of knowledge and skills.
Community Feedback
During our exhibition at Gallery Vivi in Tampere, we asked the visitors to show their solidarity and write greetings to the Ukrainian youth. Here is a compilation of messages Finns wrote.
“Love and support from Finland <3”
“Thank you for being so brave”
“I am speechless from everything going on in the world and what you have to go through. It makes me feel powerless, but I wish you all the best and hoping your situation to improve soon <3”
“Be brave!”
“One day you will wake up as winners”
“Russia did to us what it’s doing to you now. I believe in Ukrainian victory and send you love.”
“Love will always win”
“One day justice will prevail and we will have peace. Until that <3<3 to you”
“Stay strong, together we will get through this”
“Do not worry, not long until the peace, you can do it!”
“I wish all the best in your lives, remember that you are important :) I am praying for you”
“Nobody is alone in this situation, not there nor here. Speak when you are afraid or anxious, just like in the photos of this exhibition. I wish everyone to see these touching images. I will always be on your side”
“Much courage to fight for what is right.”
“I wish you a bright future”
“You are stronger than you think”
“You have already won!"
“Love and support from Finland <3”
“Thank you for being so brave”
“I am speechless from everything going on in the world and what you have to go through. It makes me feel powerless, but I wish you all the best and hoping your situation to improve soon <3”
“Be brave!”
“One day you will wake up as winners”
“Russia did to us what it’s doing to you now. I believe in Ukrainian victory and send you love.”
“Love will always win”
“One day justice will prevail and we will have peace. Until that <3<3 to you”
“Stay strong, together we will get through this”
“Do not worry, not long until the peace, you can do it!”
“I wish all the best in your lives, remember that you are important :) I am praying for you”
“Nobody is alone in this situation, not there nor here. Speak when you are afraid or anxious, just like in the photos of this exhibition. I wish everyone to see these touching images. I will always be on your side”
“Much courage to fight for what is right.”
“I wish you a bright future”
“You are stronger than you think”
“You have already won!"
Project Coverage
You can find out more about Life Goes On on the official website and watch a short story about the project on Lithuanian national television. There are also articles about the residency in Reila during the project and the exhibition in Pori in Saatakkunan-Kansa.