Throughout history, soldiers and civilians alike have transformed the remnants of war into powerful works of art. In Ukraine, the ongoing struggle against the brutal Russian full-scale invasion and for national sovereignty has given rise to a modern form of trench art: objects crafted from spent ammunition, shell casings, and military equipment, often painted or engraved with patriotic symbols, religious imagery, or personal messages.

This exhibition also includes objects that, while not made from military equipment, were crafted by hand from wood and other materials by civilian volunteers to raise funds in support of warriors on the front lines.

These artifacts serve as more than creative expressions; they are testaments to resilience, solidarity, and remembrance. Signed and decorated flags, inscribed shell fragments, and painted helmets bear witness to the experiences of those fighting at the front and the communities supporting them. Whether created as personal keepsakes, fundraising items, or memorials, each piece tells a story of struggle, sacrifice, and hope for victory.

This virtual exhibition expands upon the original physical installation by presenting additional objects that were not previously on display, allowing for a broader and more comprehensive view of contemporary  Ukrainian trench art.

By repurposing the very materials of war, Ukrainian artists, soldiers, and civilians transform destruction into symbols of national identity, resistance, and endurance. This ensures that the memory of this war, and those who fought in it, will not be forgotten.

About this Exhibition:

The Ukrainian American Archives & Museum presents this exhibition as part of its ongoing mission to preserve Ukrainian cultural memory across generations shaped by war, repression, and migration. For more than a century, successive waves of Ukrainians, escaping the ravages of World War I, the Holodomor, World War II, Soviet persecution, and now Russia’s full-scale invasion, have built a vibrant community in Metro Detroit. By collecting and exhibiting contemporary trench art, UAAM connects the lived experience of today’s war on Ukraine with the histories of earlier diaspora generations, ensuring that the material culture of this conflict becomes part of a longer, intergenerational record of resilience, identity, and remembrance.

The in-person exhibition opened on May 18, 2025 and ran through July 31, 2025.

Our Team:

Curated by the Ukrainian American Archives & Museum. Objects drawn from private collections.

Olga Liskiwskyi, Curator, Executive Director
Alexander Tolksdorf, Curator, Board Member
Lauren Warner-Treloar, Curator, Exhibition Consultant
Ellen Chown, Curator, Spring Intern

Galleries:

This exhibition is organized into thematic galleries that guide visitors through the materials, meanings, and human experiences reflected in these objects. Navigate through the exhibition by clicking the "Next Exhibit Page" and "Previous Exhibit Page" buttons at the top or the bottom of each gallery. 

Scroll through carousel images by clicking on the circles underneath a image or by clicking the left and right arrows at the margins of the gallery. Learn more about an artifact and see alternative photographs by clicking the image.

• Homepage: You Are Currently Here
• Gallery 1: Historical Context: Ukraine and the War
• Gallery 2: Materials of War
• Gallery 3: Symbols of Identity & Faith
• Gallery 4: Symbols in Everyday Life
• Gallery 5: Voices from the Front
• Gallery 6: Young Voices
• Gallery 7: Encounter and Evidence
• Gallery 9: Civilian Support and Volunteer Craft