Museo Novecento Exhibitions Spotlight Ukrainian Women

A Ukrainian woman, part of the St. Javelin series, by Julia Krahn at the Museo Novecento in Florence

On the occasion of International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25), the Museo Novecento of 20th and 21st Century Art is inaugurating an art show featuring the latest photographic series by Julia Krahn. The artist was raised in Germany, and has devoted herself to her photography since the year 2000.

The artist invited Ukrainian refugees to share their stories through the images she took, and through interviews that will be shown to the public in an effort to raise awareness regarding the gender discrimination. Through the art show, these brave women will bring attention to what they have suffered, and what many women still now suffer, all in order to hopefully bring an end to the senseless violence.

The project’s name is St. Javelin. This name comes from the image that was created and spread during the Russian – Ukrainian war which shows the image of the Madonna with Child, but instead of holding baby Jesus, she is holding an anti-tank missile, the javelin, a symbol of resistance in her arms. The twist on the religious icon is a visual that calls to mind violence and death rather than the peace and love the Madonna and Child usually symbolize.

In addition to the photography and interviews, the art installation will feature 10 flags that bear the portraits of Ukrainian women under the external arches of Museo Novecento as secular icons that are meant to portray the strength and courage of their people and their cause during the current Russia-Ukrainian war.

A second installation will be on the first floor of the museum. Eight photographs printed on posters will be displayed, each one inspired by the theme of the Last Supper. The series will be called Die Taube.

These art exhibitions send strong messages about the dignity and fortitude that exists in these amazing women.

The museum is located at  Piazza Santa Maria Novella, 10, and the art installations will be accessible until January 29 from 11 am to 8 pm, closed Thursdays. (Isabella Azzaro)