In the heart of Zurich, Ukrainian artists presented contemporary art as a language of identity, inner strength, and cultural resilience. The ART CODE OF FREEDOM exhibition became yet another platform for Ukraine’s dialogue with the European audience.
From August 27 to September 9, 2026, the international exhibition ART CODE OF FREEDOM was held at Art Gallery Studio Omelai in Zurich, presenting contemporary Ukrainian art to Swiss and international audiences.
The exposition brought together diverse artistic styles, techniques, and authorial perspectives. Through painting and contemporary art practices, the artists explore the themes of identity, hope, inner strength, and the human right to remain oneself.
Eight artists — eight unique visions
The exhibition features Ukrainian artists:
Max Skoblinsky • Vita Malik • Olha Zrazhevska • Tania Romanova • Olga Dorofeeva • Olena Ivanova • Olha Marchenko • Eduard Shymkiv
Each of them brought their own artistic language and personal perspective on contemporary Ukraine to Zurich. Together, their works form a multifaceted image of a country whose culture continues to evolve, seek new forms, and reach international stages even during the most challenging period in its modern history.
On August 27, the opening of the exhibition brought together artists, representatives of the Ukrainian community, Swiss guests, partners, and art enthusiasts.
The vernissage program combined visual art, live music, an art performance, and networking. A performance by Ukrainian musicians added a special atmosphere to the evening.
Ukrainian art as cultural diplomacy
Among the partners and guests of the opening was Olesia Tarasenko, President of VIDNOVA Swiss-Ukrainian Association and Director of the foreign representative office of Business Woman Magazine in Switzerland.
According to her, the international presence of Ukrainian artists today holds significance far beyond the cultural sphere.
“It is important to me that the world sees Ukraine not only through the lens of war. Ukraine is our artists, musicians, writers, entrepreneurs, talented people, and modern ideas. When Ukrainian art is showcased in Zurich, it creates an opportunity to speak to an international audience in a different language — the language of culture, which requires no translation,” Olesia Tarasenko noted.
Such projects serve as a practical instrument of cultural diplomacy. They introduce Ukraine to a new audience, establish professional networks for artists, and help build long-term interest in Ukrainian culture across Europe.
A Ukraine that matters to unveil to the world
Today, the international information space largely perceives Ukraine through the lens of the full-scale war. However, expanding this perception is strategically vital.
Ukraine must be represented worldwide through contemporary culture, creative industries, entrepreneurship, innovations, and the people who create new meanings.
International exhibitions make it possible to shift from merely narrating about Ukraine to experiencing it directly — through the works of its creators, personal stories, and professional dialogue.
ART CODE OF FREEDOM in Zurich embodies precisely this approach: Ukrainian creators act as direct ambassadors of their country within the European cultural sphere.
The platform Ukrainians in Switzerland acted as the media partner for the exhibition, contributing to the promotion of the project and Ukrainian art among audiences in Switzerland.
The organizers and partners express their gratitude to Art Gallery Studio Omelai, all the artists, musicians, guests, and participants who contributed to bringing this project to life.
ART CODE OF FREEDOM is an opportunity to experience contemporary Ukraine through the works of people who continue to create and represent it to the world today.
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Author: Olesia Tarasenko
Photo: from the author’s archive