THE VYSHYVANKA (2022)
THE VYSHYVANKA is a durational performance dedicated to the lived reality of war in Ukraine and the symbolic strength of cultural identity.
The work places the traditional Ukrainian embroidered blouse — the vyshyvanka — at the center of visual and bodily presence, transforming it into a conduit for empathy, unity, and resilience.
Three months after the full-scale military invasion of Ukraine, after receiving information about Bucha and other crimes committed by Russian army soldiers on Ukrainian territory on May 27, 2022 Maryna wrotes in her notes:
“Something inside of me is burned,
Something inside of me is raped
Something inside of me is killed
Something inside of me is fighting and won’t give up until my last breath.”
Presented as part of the opening week of Les Rencontres de la Photographie in Arles, France, the performance unfolds as a durational act of presence and attunement, inviting reflection on identity, loss, and continuity in the face of trauma.
Carte blanche to L’AiR Arts association.
Performance was repeated on September 19, 2024 at exhibition “Woman in Times of War”, organized by Ukrainian Association in Finland.
Full photo and video documentation available upon request.
MARYNA SEMENKOVA 