Mercer Times

With the war in Ukraine reaching its second anniversary, the TCNJ Art Gallery has opened a new exhibition titled "Two Years Gone." This exhibition features contemporary Ukrainian artists who reflect on the psychological and physical impacts of the ongoing conflict.

The exhibition commenced on February 7 with a panel discussion that included the exhibit curator and two featured artists. Margaret Pezalla-Granlund, gallery director, stated, “The exhibit offers an opportunity for the arts to play a central role in thinking about raising awareness and commemorating the war in Ukraine.”

The display includes works from various media such as watercolor, photography, video, and installation. Among the featured artists is Katerina Ganchak, a Ukrainian artist who moved to the U.S. before the conflict began in 2022. Ganchak uses her art to reflect on stories from friends and family still residing in Ukraine. Her contributions to this show are primarily watercolors—a medium she describes as typically used for lighter subjects but chosen here for its simplicity and immediacy.

Alongside the exhibition, a series of lectures and roundtable discussions will address issues raised by the show. These events will explore how artists create dialogue during conflicts and examine museums' roles in preserving cultural heritage in conflict zones worldwide.

Additionally, there will be a hands-on workshop focused on creating Ukrainian pysanky (Easter eggs), exploring their art and history.

Further details about these events can be found at tcnjartgallery.tcnj.edu.