Remember Ukraine totems by Kateryna Gaidamaka

As of July 2022, the war in Ukraine is still ongoing — and, as military experts predict, it might last “for long, maybe years”. The obvious international “war fatigue” makes it seem like the war has stopped or entered some “mild” phase. However, the brutality of terror, destruction, and humanitarian crisis is only getting worse. “Remember Ukraine” is born out of a need to remind us about one of the most atrocious genocidal events of the 21st century taking place right here, right now, in the heart of Europe. Appearing on the iconic Bobby Moore Bridge at the entrance to Wembley Park, the digital artworks provide high impact positive messaging, which continues onto the tall digital totems that frame the famous Olympic Way, and White Horse Square.

The passage screen utilises the direct composition of words “Remember Ukraine”, where “Ukraine” switches into the names of the many cities and towns that are being heavily affected by the Russian aggression: targeted missile strikes, violent occupation, or being just levelled to the ground. The composition serves as a reminder of the horrific scale of the toll of the war by making it more detailed, personalised, and real for a passer-by — in a quick and digestible fashion. Ultimately, it directly encourages the beholder to not let this colonialist war sink into collective oblivion.

Visions of Home art trail

Launching in Summer 2022, 'Visions of Home', curated by Ukrainian-born artist and photographer Ira Lupu, consists of six major public realm artworks, that form part of our free Wembley Park Art Trail. On display until October 2022, 'Visions of Home' incorporates a variety of photographic artworks, murals, and digital artworks – all conveying powerful messages to raise awareness of just how the sense of home has been forever altered, from the perspective of Ukrainian artists. ‘Visions of Home’ gently celebrates this peaceful place of belonging as an inseparable concept that lives forever in the Ukrainian consciousness, using the urban landscape of Wembley Park, with careful consideration, as the canvas for art allows the viewer to absorb its power and beauty at every turn, in a subtle yet impactful way.

Tvoya Opora

For ‘Visions of Home', Wembley Park is partnering with the charity fund Tvoya Opora, (meaning 'Your Support') which is currently fundraising to expand and improve the refugee shelter in Lviv, “Vse Bude Dobre” - “Everything Will Be Fine", – the most populated refugee camp in the country at present. Tvoya Opora is the shelter where Elena Subach & Helen Zhgir photographed much of the people featured in the exhibition.