Exhibition "Antitext": The tragic history of Ukraine's literary and cultural struggle

"Antitext" takes you on a journey through decades of the Ukrainian literary and cultural struggle for survival during the Soviet era. Piece by piece it reveals how totalitarian regimes from the Soviet Union to modern-day Russia have sought to erase Ukraine’s cultural heritage. The exhibition highlights how Ukrainian literature and culture survived periods of Soviet repression censorship and attempted erasure. It also draws parallels with today’s Russia and its efforts to undermine Ukraine’s identity during the ongoing war.

"Antitext" explores how despite political pressure and censorship Ukrainian culture and literature have endured and been restored. The exhibition focuses on two main themes:

• "Destruction": Discover how texts and authors who did not align with the regime’s ideology faced censorship repression and even physical destruction. You’ll see examples of banned works imprisoned writers and the secret obliteration of cultural artifacts.
• "Preservation and Revival": Learn how some works were saved through underground publishing and secret family archives and how artists and their families fought to preserve Ukraine’s literary heritage during times of political repression.

The exhibition was previously shown in Lviv and Kharkiv and now Berlin gets the chance to experience this powerful story.

The official opening will take place on October 1 at 6:00 PM.

The program includes a welcome speech from the Director of the Ukrainian Institute in Germany a guided tour by the Kharkiv Literary Museum team public readings by actors a poetry reading by contemporary Ukrainian poet Natalka Marynchak and live music.

Guided tours:

For those interested in a deeper dive into Ukrainian literary history free guided tours will be offered:

• Saturday October 5: 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM
• Sunday October 6: 3:00 PM and 5:00 PM

For more information, please visit: https://www.facebook.com/events/s/antitext-exhibition-in-berlin/1089858859164524/

Host or Publisher Antitext