On 23 February, the eve of the fourth anniversary of the full-scale Russian invasion, the Diplomatic Academy of Ukraine hosted the opening of an exhibition by Ukrainian artist Oleksandr Melnyk entitled ‘I See Your Deeds, Human!’.

The event became a symbolic platform for reflecting on the role of art in times of war, the daily heroism of Ukrainians, and expressing gratitude to the Armed Forces of Ukraine, which defend the freedom of our state.

Director of the Academy Ihor Ostash, who initiated the exhibition, emphasised the deep symbolism of its title, which is based on the artist's work of the same name:

"I see your deeds, Human!’ is not just the title of a painting. We saw these eyes on Oleksandr Melnyk’s canvas during the events of 2004 on Maidan. They became a symbol of Ukrainian artists’ support for the struggle for freedom and the right to choose. Today, these eyes are turned to the world — with a call for responsibility, protection of humanity, and inevitable punishment for those who unleashed this bloody war. We are convinced that the exhibition is of great international importance and should be presented in different countries around the world, fulfilling its peacemaking mission."

Artist and exhibition curator Oleksandr Melnyk shared the story of how his project began: 

"My first anti-war exhibition took place in 2001. Today, these ideas have become even more relevant against the backdrop of Russia's war against Ukraine. For me, the most important thing in art is not form, but the idea that prompts the viewer to reflect on the fate of humanity in the past, present and future, and to act for a better world. Each canvas in this exhibition contains contemplations, anxiety and hope."

The event included a screening of an excerpt from a documentary film about the artist (directed by Stanislav Lytvynov, written by Andriana Bila). The film can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ELVXcNJHZaU

The opening of the exhibition was attended by representatives of the embassies of Azerbaijan, Montenegro and Slovenia in Ukraine, dissident and public figure Oles Shevchenko, artists Vasyl Korchynskyi and Oles Solovei, art project curator Lesia Kocherhina, teachers and students of the Small Diplomatic Academy.

The highlight of the event was a guided tour by Oleksandr Melnyk. The artist shared detailed stories about the creation of his works, each of which deeply reflects on the path of Ukrainian resistance and struggle from the past to the present.

The reading of the author's poetry gave the event a special emotional resonance, becoming a true revelation for those present.