The public spaces around the Russian Embassy in Warsaw have been the site of protests since the beginning of the war in Ukraine . Now Belvederska Street, where the diplomatic post is located, has become the street art gallery Free Ukraine.
The presence of the gallery opposite the Embassy of the Russian Federation is most strongly signaled by the large-format sign Cлава Україні. Around it are artworks calling for an end to the war.
Photo: Rafal Motyl / UM Warszawa
What has been happening in Ukraine for several weeks now scares and moves us all, including the artists to whom we are giving space on Belvederska Street, right next to the Embassy of the Russian Federation. We want the Free Ukraine gallery to be a place where artists will be able to show their works calling for an end to the war as soon as possible to a wider audience, in public space.
Warsaw Deputy Mayor Aldona Machnowska-Góra.
Berlin patterns
As the organizers admit, they drew inspiration for the gallery from Berlin's East Side Gallery and the street art of engagement, which has been evolving in Poland since the 1980s. It is also an activity that fits in with current anti-war communication and takes advantage of the appeal of street art, which is readily commented on and shared in social media. The creator of the idea and concept for the gallery is Aleksander Kobecki, and the initiators are Warsaw councilors Agnieszka Gierzyńska-Kierwińska, Marcin Rolnik and Slawomir Potapowicz. The exhibition was curated by Arkadiusz Karapuda, PhD.
Photo: Rafał Motyl / UM Warszawa
open gallery
Artists interested in presenting their works as part of the Free Ukraine street gallery can apply to Stołeczna Estrada (estrada@estrada.com.pl). The organizers allow freedom of artistic expression, stipulating that they may refuse permission for vulgar or iconoclastic concepts.
