April 26, 1986, is a day that changed the world forever. The Chornobyl tragedy became the largest man-made disaster of the 20th century. Its consequences are still felt today — in people’s lives, in nature, in culture, and in our collective memory.

Today, the community of the Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts commemorates the 40th anniversary of that tragic date.

In the hearts of Ukrainians, Chornobyl remains a symbol of the courage and self-sacrifice of those who stood up to protect others, and a reminder of humanity’s responsibility towards the future.

We are convinced that the memory of Chornobyl must live on not only in historical documents but also in art. It is art that is capable of conveying the pain and strength born of tragedy, and through powerful visual language, passing them on to younger generations.

The Kharkiv State Academy of Design and Arts calls on everyone to cherish the memory of those who gave their lives and health, and to carry the lessons of this tragedy forward — into our actions, our attitude towards nature, and our responsibility to future generations.

Documentary photo by Oleg Veklenko