»elsewhereland« stands for the »other place«, in physical, emotional, and cultural terms. Russia’s war of aggression has forced millions of Ukrainians to leave their homes and live elsewhere, as internally displaced persons or in exile. For many Ukrainian artists, these new places carry the weight of loss and inner turmoil.

But within Ukraine as well, once-familiar spaces have become foreign—marked by violence, fear, and alienation. The exhibition explores themes of flight, migration, trauma, memory, and identity, showing how Ukrainian artists, caught between war and displacement, are confronting the challenges of their new realities and shifting their perspectives.

Based on their experiences with an existential crisis and the constant ambivalence of a complex, increasingly escalating present, the ten artistic positions presented span the spectrum from isolation, cultural ambivalence, and existential uncertainty to new affiliations and inner confidence. They open up new spaces for identity and artistic self-assertion amid social instability.

Calling for solidarity with Ukraine, the exhibition offers insights into the inner struggles faced by Ukrainians both within the country and abroad, while also illustrating how displaced persons enrich our societies and compel shifts in social perceptions.

Not only the artists but also their works are on the move—traveling internationally, entering new dialogues. In this way, art becomes a means of resistance, reflection, and transformation.

The traveling exhibition will debut at the Austrian Cultural Forum Budapest, 1068 Budapest, Benczúr utca 16.

The opening will take place on 23 January 2026.

Participating artists: Yehor Antsyhin, Anatoly Belov, Mark Chehodaiev, Olha Horiunova, Lucy Ivanova, Yana Kononova, Kateryna Lysovenko, Anastasiia Mamay, Viktoriia Rozentsveih, Maryna Shtanko

The international traveling exhibition »elsewhereland. Contemporary Ukrainian perspectives from shifting ground« features ten Ukrainian artists. It is a collaboration between Office Ukraine / tranzit.at, the Federal Ministry of European and International Affairs, and the Federal Ministry of Housing, Arts, Culture, Media, and Sport. The curatorial concept was developed by Office Ukraine in cooperation with art historian Polina Baitsym and curator Hedwig Saxenhuber. It will be on view at Austrian diplomatic missions across Europe and worldwide from early 2026 until the end of 2027. Kindly supported by ERSTE Foundation, springerin, hs art service austria.