Photo by Dinara Khairova
Art lovers from New York, fasten your seatbelts! “Diamond Jam,” a dazzling art show, featuring Ukraine’s brightest contemporary artists, opened its doors on November 4th in the heart of the Soho district. This exhibition marks the grand opening of “The First Ukrainian Gallery US,” an ambitious 12-month project aimed at bringing Ukrainian art to the Big Apple and firmly establishing it here.
“Diamond Jam is a show that is fresh, spunky, and easy on the eyes. We wanted it to provide the American audience with a sense of novelty and impress even the pickiest of New Yorkers,” says Anna Blinokhvatova, the PR Manager of the show.
The name “Diamond Jam” is no accident – this exhibition’s lineup is truly brilliant. These artists have deeply impressed the viewers across the world, with their works gracing renowned venues like the Venice Biennale Programme and the Design Museum of Barcelona. A striking piece named Loss 2022-58 by one of the featured artists, Oleksii Revika, has been personally presented to Pope Francis by Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the President of Ukraine, during their meeting in May 2023.
Captivating with its freshness and vibrancy, “Diamond Jam” boasts a fascinating array of guests. Two of the featured artists, Anna Moskalets and Nina Murashkina, personally came to New York for the grand opening of “The First Ukrainian Gallery US.” Both of them explore the different aspects of femininity within the context of Ukrainian identity, each in her own unique style.
Anna Moskalets is a painter, collage artist, and an independent curator from Romny, Ukraine, currently residing in Berlin. Drawing inspiration from traditional Ukrainian textile patterns, she explores the role of women in society and the impact of war through painting and digital collage. The subjects of her works are wrapped in hustkas (traditional Ukrainian head scarves) which represent a defining element of life for Ukrainian women.
“In Ukraine, a scarf is a symbol of deep femininity, an attribute of household magic, and a sign of belonging to a family,” shares Anna in an interview for Zoot Magazine. “It’s the personification of many generations of women’s experiences. Wise and dark knowledge about the inseparability of life and death.”
During an exhibition in Potsdam, Moskalets’ paintings received high praise from German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz. Through her artwork, Anna is passionately raising awareness about the war in Ukraine and collecting money for the army and citizens in need.
Nina Murashkina is a painter, performer, graphic, and ceramic artist originally from Donetsk, Ukraine and currently based in Barcelona. She defines her art style as magical feminism. Her aesthetic aligns with Ukrainian naive art and Kitsch, infused with references to Italian Renaissance, Japanese and Indian art, as well as mythology. The primary themes explored in her work are sexuality, personal trauma, and cult psychology.
“I‘m brave, bold and fearless. I‘m erotic and see the world in an erotic context,” says Nina. “I am very interested in the myths of ancient Greece, which brings a magical aspect to my art. And it’s all based primarily on the strength and beauty of a woman. I tell my stories through my female character.”
Murashkina has exhibited widely across the world, including her solo shows in London and Barcelona. In 2022 her work was featured in the SCOPE Miami booth of Lysenko Gallery.
Besides the fascinating works of Moskalets and Murashkina, “Diamond Jam” showcases 23 more renowned and emerging artists from Ukraine. They weave their unique stories through various mediums, ranging from canvas and textile to stone and clay, immersing viewers in a deep range of emotions – from serenity to fearlessness, from sensuality to virtue, from chaos to bliss. This vibrant tapestry of beauty and passion, deeply intertwined with the rich cultural heritage of Ukraine, offers an unforgettable art experience for every visitor to “The First Ukrainian Gallery US.”
“Russia’s invasion turned our country into a headline, but Ukraine is so much more than just a constant news feed of battles and tragedies. Our homeland is a country bursting with creativity, passion, tenderness, tolerance, and a thirst for life, and we want the world to see it as such!” says Olga Severina, the Design Director of the project.
“Diamond Jam” is just the beginning of an ambitious 12-month journey that the team behind “The First Ukrainian Gallery US” is aiming to embark upon. “We envision “The First Ukrainian Gallery US” as a launching platform for artists and curators from Ukraine – a place where Ukrainian art can truly flourish,” says Maria Manuylenko, the Managing Director and Art Curator of the project.
If you find yourself in Soho this November, make sure to visit “Diamond Jam,” a vibrant celebration of Ukrainian artistry and the boundless creative spirit of the Ukrainian nation. The exhibition at 425 W. Broadway will remain open till November 12th.
Check out “The First Ukrainian Gallery US” on Instagram to discover more about the featured artists and their works, explore art history, and get a sneak peek behind the scenes of organizing an art show in the heart of the Big Apple.
Exhibition details:
November 4-12, 12-6 PM, Address: 425 W. Broadway, Soho, NY, 10012. RSVP for Private Pre-view reception is here
Media Contact
Company Name: The First Ukrainian Gallery US, Diamond Jam inc.
Contact Person: Olga Severina
Email: Send Email
Country: United States
Website: thefirstukrainiangallery.com