When art speaks the toll of conflict

Itumeleng Suping | Monday December 1, 2025 10:41

Through sacred symbolism, the collection captures the untold stories of a nation enduring the weight of war while clinging fiercely to hope. Each piece is more than art but becomes a voice for mothers in mourning, soldiers in sacrifice, and families in pursuit of healing. This was not just an exhibition; it was Ukraine’s heartfelt message to Botswana and the world, highlighting that peace is sacred, and its prevention is a shared duty at large. The exhibition, which has moved across more than 200 locations worldwide, showcased artworks that have become symbols of spiritual endurance and the universal longing for peace. According to Ukraine’s Ambassador to Botswana, Oleksiy Syvak, the artworks carry a message that resonates deeply not only with Ukrainians but with people across the world who have witnessed the toll of conflict. ‘’This exhibition has been transformed into images that bring hope and faith. Every family in Ukraine has been touched by this. People have lost homes, yet they continue to find ways to rise. These artworks express exactly that. It is also about understanding the value of peace, and we are grateful for Botswana’s principles,’’ he explained.

Ambassador Syvak further emphasised that war is not only fought on the battlefield, highlighting the presence of a Ukrainian geologist who accompanied the delegation to Botswana. ‘’He reminds us that war affects every sector, every profession, every home. These artworks tell the stories of soldiers protecting, of families enduring, and of a nation’s will to survive. We are here to raise awareness and to ask important questions,’’ he added. Among those who addressed the gathering was Professor Cyril Hovorun, whose reflections offered spiritual and philosophical depth to the exhibition’s narrative. ‘’We do not believe in sacred war, even though we believe in fighting for our cause. Peace is sacred. These artworks are about the transformation of war into peace,’’ he stated. Central to the exhibition were powerful pieces by Ukrainian artists, including works inspired by motherhood, suffering, and divine guidance. One such piece,’’ Mother of God in Mourning; The Veil of Grief,’’ explores the sorrow of Mary grieving her son, Jesus. Hovorun explained that the artworks mirror the pain of Ukrainian mothers who have lost children or seen families torn apart by conflict. ‘’It is a symbol of grief, sorrow and the resilience of mothers across the globe,’’ he narrated, adding that women go through trauma upon losing their kids to war all over the world.

Another notable piece, ‘’Mother of god Hodegerita,’’ draws from a traditional Greek meaning ‘’she who knows the way'. The artworks carry a powerful message of guidance, protection, and hope for the return who have been displaced or kidnapped during the war. ‘’The idea is to deliver the message that we need peace, and the return of kids back to their mothers,’’ Hovorun said when asked about the motivation behind these art pieces. The Botswana National Museum has been commended by the Embassy for hosting the exhibition, which is open to the public until the end of November. For visitors, it offers not only an artistic experience but also a reminder of the shared human responsibility to protect peace and dignity across nations.