Ukrainian Identity Explored Through Traditional Dolls at Tel Aviv Exhibition
Translated & summarized from Cursorinfo by baba
An exhibition by Ukrainian artist Yana Dereza, "Threads of Identity," opened in Tel Aviv on October 15, featuring traditional Ukrainian motanka dolls. The exhibition, held at the Ukrainian Cultural Center, explores cultural heritage and identity. Counsellor-Minister Gennadiy Breskalenko attended the opening. The motanka dolls symbolize resilience and cultural continuity. Admission is free, with specific visiting hours on October 16 and 17.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Yana Dereza's "Threads of Identity" exhibition opened in Tel Aviv on October 15.
- The exhibition showcases traditional Ukrainian motanka dolls and cultural heritage.
- The event is hosted at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Tel Aviv.
- Gennadiy Breskalenko of the Ukrainian Embassy attended the opening ceremony.
- The motanka dolls symbolize intergenerational connections and Ukrainian resilience.
- Admission to the exhibition is free.
An exhibition titled "Threads of Identity" by Ukrainian artist Yana Dereza opened in Tel Aviv on October 15, showcasing traditional Ukrainian cultural heritage and the art of "motanka" dolls. The exhibition, hosted at the Ukrainian Cultural Center in Tel Aviv, explores themes of historical memory, national roots, and identity preservation through these traditional figures.
The opening ceremony was led by Gennadiy Breskalenko, Counsellor-Minister of the Ukrainian Embassy in Israel, who welcomed guests and thanked organizers for presenting Ukrainian art to an Israeli audience. For Dereza, the venue holds personal significance as it was where she first exhibited her work.
Dereza, born in Kyiv in 1996, was influenced by Ukrainian culture from a young age. Her work reinterprets the motanka doll, a significant element in Ukrainian folk traditions, imbuing familiar cultural symbols with new artistic meaning. Her pieces address family memory, personal experience, cultural belonging, and finding one's place in the world.
Following Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, Dereza relocated to Prague but continued her artistic endeavors, introducing Ukrainian traditions to international audiences. The motanka dolls displayed at the exhibition symbolize intergenerational connections, cultural continuity, hope, and the resilience of the Ukrainian people amidst war.
Organizers stated the exhibition offers a fresh perspective on Ukrainian folk art and its contemporary relevance, fostering cultural dialogue between the Ukrainian community and the Israeli public. The exhibition is located at 22 Yirmiyahu Street, Tel Aviv-Yafo, with free admission. It is open on October 16 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and on October 17 from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM.