"Unveiling the Revived Cultural Gem: Explore the Vibrant UNION International ART Center in Odessa

Published 28 of May 2023 by CHERNOVIL ART GALLERY

In Odessa, the international cultural center UNION has been restored, which operated in the city at the beginning of the 20th century. It houses art galleries, conference halls, a literary club, an exhibition space, and a large concert hall.

The center was originally built with a cultural purpose in mind by architect Troupiansky in 1902.

The project envisioned a building with auditoriums, a library, reading rooms, and a concert hall. However, the building fell into disrepair, and the institution ceased its activities. Representatives of the Odessa business and cultural community took part in the restoration of this architectural landmark. Their belief in the victory of Ukraine and understanding the importance of supporting the country's culture prevented the cessation of restoration and renovation work, even after the outbreak of full-scale war.

The honorary guest at the grand opening of the international cultural center UNION was Kurt Volker, an outstanding American diplomat. Mr. Volker, known for his consistent and systematic support for Ukraine, participated in the UN-Odessa Association of Nationalities meeting at the UNION cultural center and together with Odessa Mayor Gennadiy Trukhanov, ceremoniously opened the Euroatlantic event hall. It was in Odessa, on the stage of UNION, that the former representative of the State Department stated that in his opinion, Ukraine would develop rapidly after the war and become an example of development and, within a few years, a developed and innovative "star of Europe."

"For art enthusiasts, UNION opened with an exhibition titled "Ukrainian Art. The Path of the Unconquered," featuring paintings and sculptures by Ukrainian artists, created by renowned and young artists from different generations over the past 50 years. The exhibition showcases over 300 works by nearly 20 contemporary authors."

The exhibits reveal the meanings and dynamics of artists' creativity, whose works adorn museum collections in various countries worldwide—from the Odessa Art Museum to the scorching heat of Qatar and the Guggenheim Museum in New York.

Past and Present of Ukrainian art

The exhibition demonstrates the multifaceted nature of Ukrainian art and its connection to the past and present. Each work in the collection becomes a symbol encoding specific information and ideas because today Ukrainian culture embodies the concept of freedom, and Ukrainian art follows the path of free people. Visitors to the exhibition will have the opportunity to witness how one space becomes the foundation for various forms of visual art, including painting, sculpture, and photography. The exhibition encompasses a multitude of diverse styles, such as nonconformism, surrealism, abstractionism, impressionism, and the classical realistic school.

Cultural diplomacy and the preservation of cultural identity in modern Ukraine

Cultural diplomacy and the preservation of cultural identity in modern Ukraine have become particularly relevant, as the ongoing war is not only a conflict of arms and territories but also a war of cultures and narratives.

The opening of the new cultural center in Odessa reflects the belief in the powerful role of culture and diplomacy in building our future. Today, Ukraine and Odessa continue to forge paths to new horizons of freedom, democracy, and creativity, leaving their indelible mark on world history.

The Odessa cultural center UNION has become a place where people from different corners of the world gather, united by art and a common goal—to inspire and change the world around us.

The exhibition can be visited according to the following schedule: Tuesday to Sunday from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. For more information, visit the institution's website at https://unionart.com.ua/

The exhibition includes works by

VitaliI Alikberov, Svyatoslav Barabash, SerhiI Humenyuk, Anna Kulagina, Taisiya Kapustarinska, Volodymyr Krani, Yurii Kruk, Ihor Letynskyi, Halyna Lekareva-Nikitina, Oleh Novaieva, Serhii Paprotskyi, Klim Stepanov, Iryna Sushelnytska, Vadym Suvorov, Viktor Tyblevych, Andrii Chernovil, Olena and Volodymyr Illichov.

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