This April, the Ukrainian Institute of America in New York will host a series of Earth Month events focused on the preservation of Ukrainian nature and the challenges it currently faces. The centerpiece of the program will be a photo exhibition by renowned Ukrainian photographer Denys Kryvyi titled “Fighting for His Ukrainian Landscape.”
The news was shared with Vilni Media by Roksolana Karmazyn, Arts and Culture Representative of Ukrainian Jersey City.
“This exhibition is not only a tribute to the beauty of Ukrainian landscapes, but also a call to action to preserve our natural heritage in the face of war and ecocide,” the organizers emphasized in their announcement. “We want the voice of Ukraine’s nature to be heard — not only through photography, but also through expert discussions and poetry.”
The even will open on April 6 with a guided nature walk through NYC’s Central Park in the heart of Manhattan, led by Calvin Norman, Professor of Forestry at Penn State University.
Following the walk, the photo exhibition “Denys Kryvyi: Fighting for His Ukrainian Landscape” will open at the Ukrainian Institute of America. The late Denys Kryvyi (1988–2023), a celebrated Ukrainian nature photographer and award winner whose images were published in National Geographic, captured the uniqueness of Ukrainian landscapes now endangered by war.
The exhibition will feature photographs of Ukrainian ecosystems that once appeared in National Geographic, accompanied by audio recordings of Ukrainian nature and a live performance by pianist Andriy Milavsky.
As part of the program, there will be a video appearance by chef, author, and influencer Olia Hercules, who will speak about the role of nature in Ukrainian culture and cuisine, as well as the ongoing ecocide and demining efforts across Ukraine. Visitors will also be able to explore an information center to learn more about the devastating effects of war on Ukraine’s landscapes and ecosystems and attend a presentation on demining initiatives.
The day will also feature a poetry reading with Kateryna Mikhalitsyna (translated and read by Hanna Leliv), Maria Rewakowicz, Ksenia Rychtycka, Vera Sirota, and Olena Jennings. Guests can also participate in a raffle, children’s workshops, and purchase artwork at a special nature-themed pop-up shop.
On April 22, the series will continue with panel discussions addressing the destruction of Ukraine’s environment, the restoration of ecosystems, and broader issues of ecological security.
The organizers express their gratitude to Halyna Volhina, widow of Denys Kryvyi, for granting the rights to the exhibition and for her active participation in its preparation. The exhibition was first presented in September 2024 at Ukraine House in Washington, D.C.
All proceeds from the sale of photographs and raffle tickets will support demining initiatives in Ukraine through the Come Back Alive Foundation.
Both events are organized by Ukrainian Jersey City, a nonprofit organization promoting Ukrainian culture and providing humanitarian aid to Ukraine, in partnership with the historic Ukrainian Institute of America in New York City.
Author: Inna Mikhno