On the eve of the 40th anniversary of the Chornobyl disaster, the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts hosted the presentation of the large-scale international art project by the “4th Block” Association of Graphic Designers.

The event was opened by the Rector of the Academy, Oleksandr SOBOLEV, who emphasised that Chornobyl remains one of the most tragic chapters in our history, bringing immeasurable grief to the country and claiming the health and lives of many people who had stood up to protect others. Viktor KOVTUN, People’s Artist of Ukraine and Head of the Kharkiv branch of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine, recalled that union members Oleg VEKLENKO and Serhii YASTREBOV were among the liquidators of the accident. He stressed that the “4th Block” poster collection is both an artistic treasure and a living testament to memory that continues to shape new generations of artists within the Academy.

Ihor KYCHKO, Head of the NGO “Chornobyl Union of Disabled Persons” of the Kholodnohirskyi district of Kharkiv, also addressed the audience. In his speech, he highlighted the special importance of such artistic initiatives, as they prevent the tragedy from being forgotten and ensure that its lessons remain in the minds of young people, who must carry this memory into the future.

Oleg VEKLENKO, artist-designer and President of “The 4th Block” International Eco-Poster Triennial, stated that the current exhibition features around 80 posters. The project has already been presented in Lviv, Kyiv, Dresden, Potsdam, Dortmund, Berlin, Montreal, Graz, and many other cities worldwide. He also highlighted the availability of an audio guide, which helps visitors better understand the context of the presented works. As part of the event, visitors can view not only posters but also unique documentary photographs by Oleg VEKLENKO, as well as the photo project “After Us…” created by students of the Faculty of Audiovisual Arts and Media Technologies (supervised by Oleksandr SOBOLEV).

This exhibition is a reflection of memory, pain, and, at the same time, the strength that reminds us of our responsibility towards the past and the future.

We invite everyone to join the event and honour the memory of Chornobyl through art.

Photo report: Davyd PONOMAROV