The Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago has launched "9,025 km," a group exhibition featuring 12 Ukrainian-American artists living in Chicago. The show presents 36 original works that explore the emotional and cultural bridge between Chicago and its sister city, Kyiv, specifically highlighting the psychological toll of the ongoing war in Ukraine. Featured artists include Yuliia Poliakova, whose work has previously been displayed in the offices of President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, alongside Olena Diadenko, Andrii Antonenko, and others.
This exhibition serves as a vital cultural touchstone for the Ukrainian diaspora, transforming personal trauma into a collective space for empathy and humanitarian fundraising. By focusing on the "silent pain" of those living abroad, the project underscores the role of art as a tool for resilience and psychological survival after four years of conflict. It also reinforces the Ukrainian National Museum's long-standing mission to preserve and promote Ukrainian heritage within the North American landscape.