The Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago is launching an art exhibition called "9,025 km."
According to the organizers, the exhibition will feature works by 12 Ukrainian-American artists based in Chicago. https://ukrainiannationalmuseum.org/9025-km-art-exhibition-04-17-2026/
Each artist will present three original pieces reflecting the emotional and cultural distance between Chicago and Kyiv—two sister cities separated by 9,025 kilometers, yet united by resilience and a shared spirit.
Visitors will see works by Olena Diadenko, Olena Pach, Mariia Plotnikova, Kateryna Tkachenko, Marta Sofia Fraser, Yuliia Tkachuk, Luna Prysiazhniuk, Nataliia Shutiak, Walter Monastyretskyi, Andrii Antonenko, Yuliia Poliakovа, and Andrii Didenko.
According to the organizers, the exhibition aims to raise awareness about the ongoing war in Ukraine and to give voice to the silent pain carried daily by Ukrainians abroad-the pain behind simple questions like "How is your family in Ukraine?" and the quiet "Yes" that follows.
"Through art, we hope to create a space for empathy, mutual support, and humanitarian fundraising," – the artists said.
Yuliia Poliakova, artist. Photo: Facebook.
"Of course, the war has influenced my work. At first, my pieces were very dark and violent—just a way to release emotions and keep from losing my mind. Now, after four years, there is more acceptance and an understanding that without elements of humor and self-irony, it’s impossible to cope. My work has become somewhat more positive, because hope dies last, and I hope to live to see the end of this terrible war," – said exhibition participant Yuliia Poliakova in an exclusive comment to Ukrainian News.
Works by artist Yuliia Poliakova that will be displayed at the "9,025 km" exhibition. Photo: Facebook.
As previously reported, paintings by Kyiv-based artist Yuliia Poliakova have been selected and displayed in the offices of the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
It is worth noting that the Ukrainian National Museum in Chicago holds an important place in the cultural life of the Ukrainian diaspora in the United States.
The museum was established in 1952 as an archive of the Ukrainian diaspora and as a guardian of the nation’s spiritual heritage. Thanks to the efforts of several generations of immigrants, it proudly represents Ukrainian culture in North America. Visitors can explore the history and material culture of Ukrainians.
The museum houses folk art pieces such as embroidery, weaving, metalwork, wood inlay, pysanky (decorated eggs), ceramics, and musical instruments—over 2,000 items in total. It also features religious artifacts from the late 18th to early 19th centuries, rare icons, and books. The museum gallery regularly hosts exhibitions, while its library contains over 22,000 items, including rare books, periodicals, monographs, and both academic and literary works. The archive preserves the history of Ukrainian emigration.
The exhibition of works by Ukrainian and American artists as part of "9,025 km" will run through April 30.
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