The "Slava Ukraine" exhibition held at 4log Artspace in southeastern Seoul supports Ukraine through art. Courtesy of 4log Artspace

By Kwon Mee-yoo

From concerts and exhibitions to protests for peace, Koreans have been showing a great deal of support for Ukraine amid Russia's invasion.

Some 40 artists and groups teamed up for the "Slava Ukraine" exhibition in support of Ukraine. Held at the 4log Artspace in southeastern Seoul, the display runs until April 16 and aims to show solidarity with Ukraine by protesting against violence in an artistic way.

"After the Russia-Ukraine War began, I personally campaigned against war by conveying the disaster of the war through social media. As I looked for more active ways to support Ukraine, I thought of hosting an exhibition since I am a curator and artist," Kim Hye-jin, a curator who organized the exhibit independently, told The Korea Times via email.

"My grandfather is a Korean War veteran, who died during the war, and it made me sympathize more with Ukrainians suffering from the war."

Korean and international artists from Germany, India, Japan and Peru present a wide range of works with an anti-war theme and art pieces that are in the colors of blue and yellow to show solidarity with Ukraine. One of the notable works is "Kiss of Victory" by Mariia Chernozhukova, a Ukrainian artist based in Korea, evoking memories of Ukraine, which has endured over a month of Russia's invasion.

"When I contacted the artists, most of them were appreciative for the opportunity to support Ukraine through art," Kim said.

"Many people who heard of the exhibit are purchasing the art in order to support Ukraine. I hope more people visit the exhibition, empathize with Ukraine and participate in fundraising for Ukraine."

The Ukrainian Embassy in Seoul provided photos and videos of the country on Kim's request, and Kim displayed the photos along with the art at the gallery in order to give a glimpse into the horrors of war.