The Kherson Regional Art Museum named after Oleksii Shovkunenko opened an exhibition titled "Kherson. Shovkunenko. Saved" at the National Museum "Kyiv Art Gallery" on May 27, 2026, timed to the museum's 48th anniversary. The show features works by Oleksiy Shovkunenko from the museum's collection that were saved after Russian occupiers looted the institution in 2022, including watercolor "Azovstal" which gained new symbolic meaning due to the defense of Mariupol. Eight graphic works survived only because they were undergoing restoration in Kyiv during the occupation.
This exhibition matters because it transforms a tragic loss into a powerful statement of cultural resilience and Ukrainian identity. Each saved artwork serves as a symbol of indestructibility and the struggle for Ukrainian culture amid war. The event also highlights ongoing institutional challenges, as the Kherson Regional Prosecutor's Office recently terminated a restoration contract to prevent loss of budget funds, while the museum was recognized among the most influential institutions in the international MuseumWeek 2025 ranking.