Ukrainian worker oversees damaged museum in exile
The Mariupol Local History Museum in eastern Ukraine, celebrating its centenary in 2020, faced devastating challenges following Russia’s invasion in 2022. The museum’s director, Natalia Kapustnikova, was shown assisting Russian officials in appropriating works by artist Arkhip Kuindzhi despite Ukrainian sanctions. Meanwhile, Oleksandr Hore, the museum’s acting director, escaped to Odesa and is working remotely to rebuild the institution. The museum’s collection, not fully digitized, suffered severe damage, but Hore remains optimistic about its future. He highlights the city’s resilience and determination to restore its heritage once liberated. Hore emphasizes the importance of preserving the museum’s legacy, rooted in a century of dedication and research. Through partnerships and innovative approaches, he aims to revive the museum’s cultural significance and honor its history.
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Elara Voss, graduated from the Royal College of Art in London with a Master’s in Fine Art. She specializes in contemporary sculpture and installation art, exploring themes of nature and human interaction. Elara’s works have been featured in several group exhibitions across Europe, and she is currently working on her first solo show.