On February 24, 2025, in Haifa, the opening of the exhibition “Duke. Sky. Mom. I am wearing a blue Panama hat”, dedicated to the third anniversary of the “horrors of war in Ukraine”

On February 24, 2025, at 19:00, the exhibition “Duk. Sky. Mom. Wearing a Blue Panama Hat” will open in Haifa, marking the third anniversary of the horrors of the war in Ukraine.

The exhibition will introduce viewers to the anti-war series of works by Russian avant-garde artist Marina Akishina, who tirelessly fought against war through painting and poetry until her very end, openly and without self-censorship.

Date and Time: February 24, 2025, 19:00
Location: Gig House, Eliyahu Hakim 6, Haifa, Israel
Entry: Donation (all proceeds will be directed to the restoration of Odessa)

Event by organizers: https://www.facebook.com/events/976337684006701/

The exhibition was prepared by documentary filmmaker Maria Sandler and the “Shkolnik Art” workshop Efim Shkolnik.

Marina Akishina began working on the series “Duk. Sky. Mom. Wearing a Blue Panama Hat” on February 24, 2022, immediately after the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression against Ukraine. These paintings became her chronicle, recording the ongoing events and attempting to comprehend the catastrophe. Every day, the artist painted a new piece, posted it on social media, and fearlessly faced the consequences.

“I cannot remain silent when people are dying. I must use my talent to convey the truth,” she said.

After Akishina’s death in May 2024, all her paintings were lost. However, photographs of her works were taken, and a documentary film dedicated to the artist was made.

On February 24, 2025, in Haifa, the unique exhibition “Duk. Sky. Mom. Wearing a Blue Panama Hat” will open, dedicated to the memory of the victims of the war in Ukraine. This event is not only an artistic exhibition but also a powerful protest against a war that has left deep scars in the lives of millions.

The exhibition consists of 103 paintings (in the catalog, as the actual paintings were lost), created by Russian avant-garde artist Marina Akishina. Each piece is a reaction to the events, a cry from the artist’s soul, who could not remain indifferent to the horrors of the war. All these works were painted in solitude, in a secluded village, where Akishina fought daily with her own despair and pain, trying to express her emotions through art.

Maria Sandler, the organizer of the exhibition, wrote about Marina Akishina. You can read more here – Marina Akishina – artist, director, poet, public figure, organizer of international street theater festivals.

And Friends, I want to introduce you to an incredible person – an avant-garde artist….

Chronicle of War: From February 24, 2022, to the Artist’s Death

Marina Akishina drew inspiration from the works of great figures of the past — writers, artists, scientists — and used allusions to their works to express pain and protest against violence. She depicted the tragedy of the present in yellow and blue shades, and sometimes even without color, to emphasize the colorlessness of war.

Drawing on allusions to their works, drawing strength from their legacies and destinies, she portrayed the current tragedy in yellow and blue, and sometimes even without color.

Marina Akishina and Her Devotion to Art

Marina dedicated her life to fighting the war through art. In her works, there are often allusions to Western artists and writers, especially those who were alone and unique, like the artist herself. Many paintings tell of the importance of remaining human in harsh reality.

After Akishina’s death in May 2024, all her paintings were lost. However, photographs were taken and a film about the artist was made.

These works, although no longer existing in their original form, continue to speak to us, conveying important messages.

The Exhibition and Charity: All Proceeds Will Go to the Restoration of Odessa

By her will, Marina Akishina wished for all proceeds from ticket sales for the exhibition to be directed to the restoration of her beloved city, Odessa. This exhibition is not only an act of memory but also an opportunity for each participant to contribute to the rebuilding of a devastated city.

Every visitor to the exhibition will not only be able to see the artworks but also interact with the organizers and acquire miniature prints of the paintings in a 146-page catalog.

Exhibition Catalog: The Chronicle of War

The complete collection of this anti-war series of paintings can be found in the 146-page catalog, which, in addition to reproductions of the paintings, provides explanations and quotes for some of them. This is not just a collection of works, but a chronicle of the war that the artist kept in real-time. The catalog is arranged in chronological order.

Why is it Important to Support Such Events?

Supporting the exhibition and charity events is an important step in helping those affected by the war and in the restoration of the destroyed cities. Ukraine and its people are enduring the toughest times, and such events remind us of how important it is to preserve the memory of these tragedies and not forget that the war is still ongoing.

“Each stroke on these paintings is my protest, my fight against what is happening,” the artist said. “I had to speak, because silence was no longer possible.”

Event Program

As part of the exhibition, several charity events will be organized across Israel, including the screening of the documentary “Akishina. Silence Cannot Speak”. Guests will not only be able to watch the films but also interact with the filmmakers and receive sets with miniatures of the paintings.

Event Schedule:

Conclusion: Support Art, Support Odessa

Don’t miss the chance to be part of this important cultural event. Come to the exhibition “Duk. Sky. Mom. Wearing a Blue Panama Hat” and support the restoration of Odessa. Marina Akishina’s art not only helps us comprehend the tragedy of war but also inspires us to fight against injustice.

“I cannot remain silent when the world is falling apart before my eyes,” Akishina said in one of her works.

For more details about the exhibition and other charity events, follow the news on our website НАновости – Israel News.