Exhibition by Ukranian artist explores war, memory and resilience in her home country

Fine Art student, Yuliia Holovatiuk-Ungureanu recently took over the Henrion Gallery with her second exhibition, bringing the reality home of the war in Ukraine.

My Voice is Hoarse from Pain, marked the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and offered 'an unflinching exploration of war, loss, and cultural survival'. 

In her artists’ statement, Yuliia said: ‘Shattered homes, abandoned streets, and remnants of everyday life reflect both physical devastation and the erasure of personal and collective histories.’

The exhibition brought together photography, found objects, archival materials, and large-scale installations. At the heart of the exhibition was a 16-metre wallpaper installation, My Wallpaper. Fragments of a Lost Home. The piece made up of images captured during Yuliia’s visit to Ukraine in 2024, immerses audiences in the destruction of Ukrainian cities from Russian missile and artillery attacks.

A stopped clock is also displayed. Yuliia said: ‘[The clock’s] frozen hands symbolise the moment missiles strike, halting time in an instant of destruction. It stands as a reminder that time is running out to act against these crimes, while leaders and nations fail to do what is necessary’.

A group of visitors from Ukraine also had a chance to see the exhibition. Yuliia said: ‘Many Ukrainian attendees were visibly moved to tears by these experiences, highlighting the emotional power of the exhibition. Many commented that the exhibition is of utmost importance in today’s world, ensuring that Ukraine remains in the public consciousness and that global discussions about the war continue.’