“Resilience: The Heart of Ukraine” Photo Exhibition to open at Krannert Center February 26

“Resilience: The Heart of Ukraine,” an exhibition by photographer Michael Andrews, will open on Sunday, February 26 at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts, 500 South Goodwin Avenue, Urbana. The exhibition’s opening will coincide with the performance of the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine at Krannert Center on February 26 at 7:30pm.

The exhibition offers a unique glimpse into village life in the Kirovoghad Oblast of Ukraine, before Russia’s invasion, and documents the lives of Ukrainian “babusyas,” the keepers of traditional stories, songs, recipes and material culture.

Andrews lived in Ukraine in 2018-19. He was the only American team member of the Baba Yelka Cultural Expedition, a group of explorers documenting and preserving the traditions of   remote Ukrainian villages. “Traditions there live in the practices and memories of villagers, mostly grandmothers,” Andrews said.  “The Baba Yelka team is racing against time to preserve Kirovoghad’s rich cultural history to inform and enrich future generations.”

“Resilience” offers a unique window into remote village life before Russia’s invasion, and focuses on the lives of Ukrainian “babusyas” (grandmothers) and their cultural roots.

The exhibition was a year in the making and required long-distance collaboration between Andrews and his Ukrainian colleagues. “Resilience” debuted in Charlotte, NC in 2022, and is currently on tour throughout the United States. The exhibition invites discussion of a range of timely topics, including the iconic role of grandmothers in Ukrainian culture, the country’s history, unique traditions, and the war.

An opening reception will be held from 5:30 to 6:30pm on February 26 at Krannert Center, immediately preceding the Lviv National Philharmonic Orchestra of Ukraine concert.

The exhibition will be on display through March 31 and is free to the public.

This exhibition would not be possible without the assistance of the local planning committee and sponsors, including Mikhail Lyubansky, Paul Young, Miranda K., Masumi Iriye, Markian J Dobczansky, the Ukrainian Student Organization, European Union Center, Sydney Lazurus, Phil Strang, Joyce Pfenning, Sean Kutzko, Jodee Stanley, Emily Laugesen, Andrea Bouck, and Bill Kephardt.

More information on the exhibition may be found at resilience-ukraine-cu.com/