Kyiv: In the middle of air raid sirens, uncertainty and the long shadow of war, a contemporary art fair in Ukraine’s capital has become a symbol of resilience and hope for many people trying to hold on to normal life.
The event, called “This is Normal,” was held in Kyiv and brought together artists, galleries, collectors and visitors from across Ukraine. The fair took place as the country continues to face the devastating effects of the war with Russia, now entering another difficult year with ongoing attacks and civilian suffering.
Unlike many wartime exhibitions, the art fair did not focus only on scenes of destruction or violence. Instead, organizers encouraged artists to present works that reflected emotions, memories, personal experiences and the desire to continue living despite the conflict around them.
Many visitors described the exhibition as a peaceful and emotional space where people could breathe freely for a few hours. Families, students and art lovers walked through galleries filled with paintings, sculptures and modern installations while conversations about life, fear, hope and the future filled the halls.
Organizers said the purpose of the event was not to ignore the war but to show that Ukrainian culture and creativity remain alive even in the hardest moments. They explained that continuing cultural activities during wartime is also a form of resistance because it protects national identity and community spirit.
Several artists participating in the fair spoke about how war has changed their work and daily lives. Some said they lost homes or studios during attacks, while others were forced to move to different cities or countries. Yet many continued creating art because they believed culture gives strength to society during times of crisis.
Visitors also said the fair offered emotional healing. For many Ukrainians, daily life now includes missile alerts, damaged infrastructure and constant anxiety about loved ones fighting on the front lines. In such an atmosphere, cultural gatherings have become rare opportunities for people to reconnect with each other and remember life beyond the battlefield.
The Kyiv art fair comes at a time when Ukraine’s cultural sector is struggling to survive. Since Russia’s full scale invasion in 2022, many museums, theatres and galleries have faced financial problems, destruction or closure. Despite these difficulties, artists and cultural institutions continue organizing exhibitions, concerts and festivals both inside Ukraine and abroad.
Internationally, Ukrainian art has gained increased attention as artists seek to share their country’s experiences with the world. Ukrainian exhibitions have appeared in major European cultural events, including the Venice Biennale and several travelling exhibitions across Europe. Many artists have used these platforms to speak about war, displacement and the importance of protecting cultural heritage.
At the same time, fighting between Russia and Ukraine continues with no clear end in sight. Recent weeks have seen renewed accusations from both sides over ceasefire violations, while civilian deaths and infrastructure damage continue in several regions. The difficult security situation has affected nearly every part of Ukrainian society, including education, healthcare and cultural life.
Against this background, the success of the Kyiv art fair has become deeply meaningful for many people. Organizers said the large number of visitors showed that Ukrainians still want spaces for beauty, reflection and human connection despite the hardships they face every day.
For artists and visitors alike, the event was more than an exhibition. It became a reminder that even during war, creativity, memory and hope can survive.