NEW YORK – The Ukrainian Museum in New York announced the opening of its new exhibition, “Maks Levin: In Defense of Truth and Freedom,” which features a selection of photographs by slain Ukrainian photojournalist Maks Levin.
The exhibition comprises 25 prints from among Mr. Levin’s last pictures documenting the war that Russia continues to wage on Ukrainian soil.
The photographer’s body was found outside of Kyiv on April 1. Unarmed and wearing a press jacket, according to various media reports, it is believed that Mr. Levin was tortured before being fatally shot twice by Russian soldiers. His murder is regarded as a war crime.
“In Defense of Truth and Freedom” is open to the public and will be on display through September 18.
Maksim (Maks) Yevhenovych Levin, 40, a father of four, had been working as a photojournalist since 2006.
In 2014, he began photographing the war in eastern Ukraine. He continued on this mission until his death in the full-scale war waged by Russia in February.
Mr. Levin actively advocated for improving safety protocols for Ukrainian journalists. In addition to his photojournalism work, Mr. Levin developed documentary projects about autistic children and single fathers.
The Ukrainian Museum previously featured the work of Mr. Levin in its 2014 exhibition “Heroes for Freedom,” an homage to those who lost their lives in the proxy war instigated by Russia in eastern Ukraine that year.
Mounted in the current exhibition are several of Mr. Levin’s prints from the earlier show, shedding light on the long-term war in eastern Ukraine that this year turned into a full-scale, country-wide offensive by Russia.
The exhibition also includes Mr. Levin’s biography and a brief historical survey of the war.
The Ukrainian Museum, based in New York City, acquires, preserves and exhibits articles of artistic or historic significance to the rich cultural heritage of Ukrainian Americans. Its collections include thousands of items of folk art, fine art and archival material.
At its founding in 1976 by the Ukrainian National Women’s League of America, the Museum was hailed as one of the finest achievements of Americans of Ukrainian descent. Since then, and particularly since its move in 2005 to a new, state-of-the-art building in Manhattan’s vibrant East Village, it has become known as one of the most interesting and dynamic smaller museums in New York City.
Each year, the Museum organizes several exhibitions, publishes bilingual (English/Ukrainian) catalogues and presents a wide range of public and educational programs, including concerts, films, lectures, courses, workshops and special events.