Amidst Cries from the Rubble: Art of Loss and Resilience from Ukraine

Through twelve commissioned, large-scale photographs and evocative three-dimensional objects collected from the war-torn landscapes and communities of Ukraine, Amidst Cries from the Rubble follows the journey of a nation grappling with the daily trauma of death and destruction. Appropriating tools of war—shell casings, missile debris, ammunition boxes, helmets—Ukrainians breathe new life into these fragments of violence, infusing them with the spirit of human creativity. The exhibition consists of objects in various media including photographs, paintings, drawings, sculptures, and textiles, as well as audiovisual works featuring artist process and performing arts videos, showcasing the myriad ways in which Ukrainians channel their resilience and fortitude.

From children to parents, from civilians to soldiers, from musicians to visual artists, each contributor offers a glimpse into their personal stories and triumphs. Through their art, they navigate the complex terrain of grief and loss, crafting a narrative of perseverance and remembrance that resonates deeply with Ukrainian cultural perspectives as well as folk and contemporary art practices. Each stroke of the brush, each sculpture wrought from the debris of conflict, serves as a testament to the human capacity to find solace and strength in the face of despair.

Amidst Cries from the Rubble is co-curated by Laura J. Mueller, PhD, Nina Medvinskaya, and Sasha Samuels and will include a companion catalogue to be released June 2026. The exhibition text is available bilingually in Spanish translation, upon request. Associated programming during the ten month exhibition run has included a film series, musical performances, lectures, artist demonstrations and masterclasses. The exhibition was originally presented in the Mark Naylor and Dale Gunn Gallery of Conscience, part of the International Coalition of Sites of Conscience.

Image: Слава соняху (Glory to the Sunflower), 2023 / Serhii Polubotko, b. 1962 / Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine | Clifton, New Jersey / Brass ammunition casings, steel, wood / Courtesy of the artist / Photography by Addison Doty