Ukrainian DNA: from research to exhibition. Venice Biennale Architettura 2023

Project description

research → artworks → exhibition visual identity Ukrainian DNA is a cultural exhibition requested by the Foundation of the Ukrainian Architectural Chamber and the National Union of Architects of Ukraine. Presented as the alternative Ukrainian Pavilion during the prestigious Biennale Architettura in Venice in 2023, the exhibition explored a renewed representation of Ukrainian identity for an international audience. This project entailed both the exhibition design for the pavilion and the development of the presented artwork, Timeless Encounters. Both the exhibition design and the artwork were based on our extensive academic research into the history of Ukrainian, Venetian, and Byzantine architecture and symbolism, and laid the groundwork for the featured artworks by us and other artists. Most ambitiously, we utilised this research to create Timeless Encounters — a symbolic representation of twelve significant cultural crossroads in the development of Ukrainian identity. Each encounter was based on the blueprints of a historically significant building and its associated symbolism. The work further took physical form through sculptural roots grown by fellow artist Diana Bilichenko, reinforcing the idea that this project seeks to uncover the deep-rooted foundations of Ukrainian identity. The exhibition remained open for one month, attracting approximately 3,000 international visitors. The project was later presented once more at the Ukrainian Architectural Chamber in Kyiv. CREDITS Creative Direction, Concept Development & Design: Ornella Ostapenko Research & Content Development: Architecture History Research, Copywriting — Ornella Ostapenko Scientific Consultants: Anna Kyrii, Vice President of the Architectural Chamber of the National Union of Architects of Ukraine Olga Neshta, PhD, Theory of Architecture, Restoration of Architecture Monuments Art Direction & Visual Design: Ornella Ostapenko Web Design: Anna Gulko Translations: Italian — Anna Manako, Roberto Bianconi English — Ornella Ostapenko Curatorial Team: Roberto Bianconi, Anastasiia Biletska, Anna Manako, Olga Neshta, Anna Kyrii, Sana Moreau PR & Communications: Roberto Bianconi, Ornella Ostapenko,Olga Terefeeva Artists: Daria Alyoshkina, Ornella Ostapenko, Diana Bilichenko, NÙEVÙ STUDIO (Nadiya Yamnych, Walter Espedito Trento, Massimo Romanazzi) Special Guest: Gordiy Starukh — musician, ambassador of the Wheel Lyre