In New York, Ukrainians and caring Americans called for solidarity with the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, held a poster exhibition, and became part of an international art project.
In particular, the Ukrainian diaspora held a silent protest in Times Square. The event was held near the ABC News headquarters. The event was organized by activists from the Rebirth.ukraine group with the support of the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York, the Organizing Ukraine Relief Foundation, volunteers, and artists.
“Our Silent Action for Ukraine in Times Square is over – and it was powerful. We stood together in honor of the defenders of Ukraine – their extraordinary courage and strength… To every volunteer, friend and supporter who joined us – thank you. To the defenders of Ukraine – we honor you, we stand with you and we will never stop,” said Hanka Smirnova, an organizer from the activist group Rebirth.Ukraine.
Fifty posters created by Ukrainian artists since the beginning of the full-scale invasion were displayed in Times Square. These works are part of the book Ukrainian Wartime Posters, curated by artist Olena Speranska.
The centerpiece was the creation of a 360° panoramic photograph of the demonstration by American photographer Phil Buehler. The photo documentation will be included in the international art project “Together We Stand. Documentation”, and in November it will be transformed into a monumental cyclorama, which will be presented in the frontline Ukrainian city of Zaporizhia in the gallery of the BIRUCHIY art center as part of an exhibition by Yulia Piluli with urban sketches, homages, landscapes and posters inspired by folk art.
Ukrainian military personnel undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in the United States, as well as volunteers from different countries who expressed their support for Ukraine, also took part in the demonstration.
“Thank you to every defender who is currently defending Ukraine. Your courage is the reason why Ukraine still stands and the world still has hope. And thank you to every friend who continues to support them through BUF. Your solidarity means everything,” said activist Marichka Hlyten.
Also in New York was held a demonstration in support of Ukrainian soldiers. Svitanok.nyc activists invited passers-by to write a letter and thank the Defenders.
The purpose of the event was not only to honor the Ukrainian defenders, but also to form a powerful visual appeal to American society. The participants of the demonstration asked passers-by to write a letter or send words of gratitude to the soldiers of the Armed Forces of Ukraine.
Photo: @pwbuehler , @u_storoshchuk , @karina_tepfer_ , @maria.shevel
Author: Inna Mikhno