The Project & The Partners
Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts, along with Photographer Maxim Dondyuk and Curator Paul Swanson have created an online exhibition of photographs capturing the realities of war. We want to bring you visual awareness in the second year of the War on Ukraine and to ensure the devastating impacts don’t go unnoticed by people around the world.
Paul identified three themes that emerged from Maxim’s photographs – the destruction of land and buildings, the celebration of life, and the human toll that is brought on by war.
We want this online exhibit to foster empathy and understanding by allowing viewers to connect with the crisis in Ukraine. Through the lens of compassion, we hope to inspire a deeper awareness of the human cost of war and the urgent need for solidarity. Our online exhibit is a call to action, urging the viewer to reflect, empathize, and unite in our collective pursuit for peace.
Strathcona Ukrainian Bilingual Association has provided financial support for this project to develop online educational resources. Stay tuned for more information, these resources will be available to educators in the Spring of 2024.
Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts
Alberta Council for the Ukrainian Arts (ACUA) is a dynamic non-profit organization with a mission to enhance the appreciation and awareness of Ukrainian arts in Alberta and the broader arts community. Through diverse initiatives such as exhibitions, tours, festivals, educational programs, and special projects, ACUA actively supports and promotes the growth of Ukrainian arts and artists residing in Alberta. Central to ACUA’s objectives is educating the public on various Ukrainian art forms, accomplished through workshops, lectures, and community engagement. ACUA stands committed to community outreach, providing artists and organizations with platforms to display, promote, and access professional development opportunities.
Maxium Dondyuk
Maxim Dondyuk is a Ukrainian born visual artist working in the field of documentary photography. He has documented the war in Ukraine and the devastating impacts on the people, land, and buildings.
He is a pivotal figure in contemporary documentary photography. His multifaceted practice integrates various mediums, including photography, video, text, and archival material, to explore profound themes such as history, memory, conflict, and their lingering effects. Dondyuk’s work serves as a powerful reflection on societal issues, offering poignant insights into the human condition.
Through projects, Maxim sheds light on pressing social issues, challenging viewers to confront uncomfortable truths. His ongoing exploration of the aftermath of war showcases his commitment to documenting and preserving collective memories.
Maxim’s profound and evocative imagery serves as a testament to his unwavering dedication to storytelling and advocacy through the lens of documentary photography.
Paul Swanson
Paul Swanson is proudly Ukrainian Canadian and is a professional photographer, photojournalist, and teacher living in Edmonton, Alberta. He has worked for clients such as the NHL, Wall Street Journal, Canadian Red Cross, and is a contributor for Getty Images.
Paul’s Ukrainian relatives moved to Canada in the late 1800s. Paul has been fortunate to return to Ukraine and photograph the areas of the country that his ancestors came from.
Paul hopes you enjoy this exhibition of photographs and is very appreciative of the opportunity to curate such meaningful work.
Strathcona Ukrainian Bilingual Association
Strathcona Ukrainian Bilingual Association (SUBA) is a dedicated non-profit organization that has been actively supporting Ukrainian programming within the community since the mid-1980s. With a strong commitment to cultural preservation and community development, SUBA has played a pivotal role in contributing over $1.5 million to various programs aimed at fostering and preserving Ukrainian heritage in Alberta.
SUBA remains a vital hub for those passionate about Ukrainian heritage, fostering a sense of community pride, and unity. Through collaborative efforts and partnerships, SUBA continues to play a significant role in enriching the cultural fabric of Ukrainians in Alberta.
Make a donation!
In exchange for viewing this online exhibit we ask that you make a donation in support of Maxim and ACUA.
ACUA is located in Canada. We will issue official tax receipts for any donations over $25 in Canadian funds. Proceeds will support Maxim’s work in Ukraine and will support newcomer artists in Alberta.