We Know Who They Are…
Artworks and Narratives from the Invasion of Ukraine
On View July 31 – October 2, 2026 | 3rd Floor
About the Exhibition
On February 24, 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine, marking an unprovoked escalation in a long-standing conflict. Throughout the war, Russia’s actions have been accompanied by numerous allegations of wartime atrocities. While the international community has yet to convict those responsible, the evidence continues to mount. The exhibition of We Know Who They Are… (WKWTA) intends to promote art as a resource for political accountability by showcasing tangible evidence of these alleged atrocities through the work of primary witnesses.
WKWTA features artworks from 21 Ukrainian artists and nearly ten artifacts representing the wartime terrain and the mass devastation of civilian life. These artifacts not only document the alleged wartime atrocities committed by the Russians but also spatialize the artworks through enhanced sensory interaction. By presenting these artifacts in dialogue with the artworks, the exhibition aims to evoke a deep emotional response, providing a visceral understanding of the impact of the invasion and the resilience of the Ukrainian people.
WKWTA also represents a new dimension of Conflicted Art as it takes the project beyond its initial mission of promoting cultural exchange. Until now, Conflicted Art has mainly emphasized the immediate emotional and social reactions to the war, but this collection aims to thematically explore artist narratives while delving into political accountability, advocacy, and provocative expressions of the wartime experience.
This collection of artists and artworks stands as both a testament to the strength of the Ukrainian spirit and a call for justice. It captures the raw emotions and lived experiences of those who have endured the conflict, offering a poignant reminder of the human cost of war.
May their artworks and storylines reveal what they have done.
Programming
Opening Reception
Friday, July 31, 2026 | 6-8PM | RSVP
Film Screening of The Porcelain War: Art, Resistance, and the Human Story of Ukraine
Friday, August 14, 2026 | 6PM | RSVP Coming Soon
In times of war, what role does art play? Can creativity protect identity, preserve culture, and offer hope ammid devastation? Join us for a screening of The Porcelain War, an intimate documentary that follows Ukrainian artists creating and preserving beauty in the midst of invasion.
Artists Panel Talk
Saturday, August 15, 2026 | 2-4PM | RSVP Coming Soon
An interactive discussion with the curators of We Know Who They Are and local artists that have ties to Ukraine. More details to come.
Ukrainian Arts and Crafts Afternoon
Sunday, August 16, 2026 | 12-4PM | RSVP Coming Soon
An afternoon of activities for families and kids. More details to come.
Virtual Panel Talk
Thursday, September 17, 2026 | 12PM | RSVP Coming Soon
This virtual panel convenes museum professionals, cultural workers, and heritage advocates to explore the urgent question: How do we preserve and maintain cultural heritage in times of conflict?
Centering on the ongoing war and occupation of Ukraine, this program brings together international voices to examine the role of museums and cultural institutions in safeguarding collections, protecting sites, and sustaining cultural identity during crises. The discussion will feature live-streamed presentations from speakers across multiple time zones, followed by a live, moderated Q&A session to encourage dialogue and exchange among participants. More details to come.
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About the Curators
Benjamin Cunningham is a political science and fine arts student at The George Washington University. Cunningham is an accomplished artist, having published a book of poetry, taken part in over a dozen exhibits, and, most recently, been awarded a residency at the New York Academy of Art in NYC. With the backing of a Luther Rice Research Fellowship, Cunningham intends to utilize the exhibition as a reference point for examining wartime artwork as a sociological device for stimulating activism and advocacy.
Yevgen Nemchenko came to the United States from Ukraine 20 years ago and has been collecting art and antiques for over 10. After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, Yevgen used his network in the Ukrainian art world to purchase a number of artworks by contemporary artists. Utilizing his background in professional project management, he has launched over five exhibits to date, one of which took place in the oldest private art gallery in Washington, DC. Yevgen intends to continue this endeavor in order to support artists in this time of need and give their work global exposure.
Conflicted Art
Conflicted Art is a collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks by Ukrainian artists created during the Russian invasion of Ukraine. It was conceived a few days into the war and was meant to show the war through the artists’ eyes as it was unfolding. Some works are an artist’s attitude to a specific event during the conflict, while others show an artist’s reflection on their feelings and the ongoing war.
The project revealed a theme that while a certain amount of social change or even instability might be helpful for an artist to draw inspiration from, the overall conditions and situation in which an artist creates must be at the very least hospitable. Otherwise, work might stop or take unpredictable forms.
