Resilience: The Heart of Ukraine – Photography by Michael Andrews

The photo exhibition, “Resilience: The Heart of Ukraine” features work by American photographer Michael Andrews. As a volunteer with United States Peace Corps Ukraine in 2018–19, Andrews augmented his service as a consultant to an HIV and AIDS service agency working as a photographer for Ukraine’s Baba Yelka Cultural Expedition. The group was formed in 2018 to preserve and share the unique cultural traditions of Ukraine’s Kirovoghad region — stories, songs, recipes, and material culture, including traditional embroidery.

“Resilience” offers a unique window into remote village life before Russia’s invasion, and focuses on the lives of Ukrainian “babusyas” (grandmothers) and their cultural roots.

The exhibition was a year in the making and required long-distance collaboration between Andrews and his Ukrainian colleagues. “Resilience” debuted in Charlotte, NC in 2022, and presently is on tour to a number of American venues. The exhibition invites discussion of a range of timely topics, including the iconic role of grandmothers in Ukrainian culture, the country’s history, unique traditions, and today’s war.

“Resilience: The Heart of Ukraine” is a tribute to the babusyas and families who preserve Ukraine’s unique and beautiful culture and to the Baba Yelka Expedition’s race against time and unthinkable war to preserve Ukraine’s unique traditions for future generations to embrace.

When: August 4 – September 9
Where: Kokol Gallery