It’s as old as time: when it feels like all is lost, it’s human nature to look for divine inspiration. Religious art has served as a source of faith and comfort for centuries, and certainly no less during the full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
to protect his people
Ukrainian artists Oleksandr Klymenko and Sonia Atlantova have been inspiring hope with their traveling exhibition of Icons of Hope and Survival since 2014. Their paintings of familiar religious icons on munition crates from the warfront – several of them directly from Bakhmut – are a powerful symbol of resilience and faith in the midst of chaos and violence.
Saint Peter as the first Pope of Rome
as the forerunner of Christ
Rotterdam joins the list of over 60 cities in 15 countries in which the exhibition has featured over the past decade, including Berlin, Los Angeles, Montreal, Oxford, Paris, and Prague. All proceeds from each sale, starting at €1800, goes to charity in Ukraine.
The current exhibition in the Saint Lawrence Church in Rotterdam is dedicated to military hospital aid in Kyiv. Although the nation’s capital remains under Ukrainian control, it is the frequent target of russian air and drone strikes, causing constant civilian casualties and severe infrastructure damage.
Eastern and Georgian Orthodox Church
Nearly 30 wooden paintings on exhibition evoke biblical stories of resilience. Despite his flaws and moments of doubt, Saint Peter became a steadfast leader of the early Church. Meanwhile, Saint John the Baptist stood for truth and righteousness in the face of opposition.
Icons such as Saint Nicholas of Myra and Saint Shio of Mgvime offer the exhibition a unique Eastern Orthodox character. While the Archangels Gabriel and Michael offer their overarching protection, the Virgin Mary – by far the most depicted in the current church exhibition – represents sacrifice and dignity throughout all worldly troubles.
You can visit the exhibition at the Saint Lawrence Church until Saturday 30 August 2025. Entrance to the Saint Lawrence Church costs €4, and free admissions for anyone with a Rotterdam Pass, Museumkaart, or under the age of 12.
Check out the Saint Lawrence Church website here.
VATAHA is in no way affiliated with the Icons of Hope and Survival exhibition. This recommendation was suggested by Anni Schleicher. Check out the entire VATAHA team here.
