Ukraine House in Denmark Opens “Uncurtained: Ukrainian Art in Danish Collections 1989–2023”

By revisiting decades of cultural encounters, Uncurtained highlights the historical importance of the Northern European vector of collaboration in shaping the cultural life of late Soviet and early independent Ukraine. It highlights the long-standing bonds that explain today’s deep Danish solidarity and reminds audiences that independence is not a static state but a daily act of cultural affirmation.

During the opening, curator Kateryna Stukalova shared that the inspiration for Uncurtained dates back more than a decade. Her arrival in Denmark 11 years ago sparked the idea, influenced by earlier encounters with Ukrainian–Danish cultural exchange that shaped her own career as a curator. For Stukalova, the curatorial process has been one of rediscovery, bringing together important works that tell the story of generations of Ukrainian artists. She also emphasized that the exhibition illustrates how cultural collaboration laid the foundation for broader political cooperation:

“The seeds that are sown even without thinking about such a big result actually reap much more. Many people are surprised why Denmark supports Ukraine so much. Where is Ukraine? Where is Denmark? Why? And I just want to tell people it started with cultural exchange and then it turned into much bigger collaboration. Without these cultural ties, probably the big collaboration wouldn’t be possible.”

Pavlo Makov, one of the keystone artists of the exhibition and who remains based in Kharkiv despite the war, spoke about his personal journey as an artist and his longstanding ties to Denmark. His reflections underscored the exhibition’s role in connecting past and present. He noted that the support of Denmark has been deeply meaningful at the start of his career, but also particularly in moments when Ukrainian culture received little official recognition:

“The amount of support we receive from the small country of Denmark is very moving. This exhibition has become a significant contribution to Ukrainian–Danish cultural relations. For me, it is especially moving to see how this journey is being reflected upon and documented as a part of shared memory between our two countries.”

Remaining in Kharkiv, Makov continues to create art under bombardment. For him, the survival of Ukraine is inseparable from the survival of its cultural voice:

“As an artist, I understand it perfectly well. If there is no Ukraine, all my life is just going through the drain. Everything I did and everything I’m doing now is because I belong to this place.”

The exhibition also demonstrates the role of cultural diplomacy in shaping both national identity and international solidarity. For Ukraine, culture has long been the first arena where connections were forged, laying the groundwork for later political and societal cooperation.

Sergei Sviatchenko, a Ukraine-born artist whose career has flourished in Denmark, reflected on the pioneering efforts of the Soviart Contemporary Art Centre, which he co-founded and where he served as chief curator after its establishment in Kyiv in 1988:

“Soviart was among the first to introduce the concept of cultural diplomacy long before it became a widely used term. There were already steps full of curiosity, courage, and vision that became something lasting and meaningful. This exhibition is both a reflection and continuation of the dialogue and a testament to what can emerge when people create and build cultural bridges across borders.”

The evening also carried a strong reminder of Denmark’s pivotal role in this long cultural journey. Among the voices was Søren Møller, former Odense mayor for culture and education, one of those who helped build the first bridges between Ukraine and Denmark in the early 1990s, particularly through the cultural links between Kyiv and Odense. At a time when Ukraine had regained its independence and was seeking to reassert its identity on the European stage, these exchanges provided the foundations of trust, solidarity, and mutual recognition. Reflecting on that shared history, Søren emphasized the enduring value of these collaborations:

“When we stand here today, we feel very honored because what was created then developed into something which has been something very fruitful for many artists and also for our cities, but also for our countries. And like it’s been said by many people today in this room, this is a fight and you don’t win fights just by having many weapons and having much equipment, you do it by exchanging ideas, culture and the way of life we all appreciate. And nowadays we realize that it’s not only necessary for the countries in Europe, for Ukraine, but it’s also essential for the whole world.”

Today, while Russia continues its attempts to destroy Ukrainian culture, we at Ukraine House in Denmark strengthen its presence in Northern Europe — loudly affirming Ukrainian art in the European context and ensuring it takes its rightful place on the artistic map.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the artists who stand behind every artwork, to collectors who opened their collections, to curator Kateryna Stukalova for her vision and many months of research, and to the entire Ukraine House team for their dedication and hard work. We thank our partners—the Embassy of Ukraine in Denmark and our sponsors—for making this exhibition possible.

Exhibition Details

• Dates: 21.08.2025 – 23.11.2025

• Venue: Ukraine House in Denmark, Gammel Dok, Strandgade 27B, 1401 Copenhagen

• Curator: Kateryna Stukalova

• Supported by: Statens Kunstfond, Konsul George Jorck og Hustru Emma Jorck’s Fond, Politiken-Fonden, and Slots- og Kulturstyrelsen