Lviv-based photographer Marta Syrko presents the series, Wrapping Art-Art of Salvation. Composed of twelve newly commissioned photographs, the series captures the profound ramifications of war, the unwavering resilience of the Ukrainian people, and their extensive cultural heritage. Against the backdrop of Russia's invasion, Syrko confronts the harrowing traumas inflicted upon her homeland, striving to ignite awareness and remembrance. Commissioned expressly for this exhibition, her poignant imagery serves as a testament to the ongoing struggle of safeguarding Ukrainian cultural patrimony and artistic traditions amidst the turmoil of military conflict.
Syrko's creative process involves altering her photographs by digitally enhancing details and colors. She divides her series into two categories to address Ukraine's past and present. The Historic Era captures wrapped outdoor, public monuments located within a UNESCO World Heritage Site, commemorating Ukraine's rich, cultural past. The Contemporary Era features recently created sculptures by fellow friends and artists, wrapped and photographed in an intimate studio setting. Syrko's work highlights her belief that protecting both past and present are necessary for Ukraine's cultural future.