Organized by UNHCR Moldova in collaboration with the National Museum of Fine Art Moldova, FEBRUARIE 2022: ECOURI stands as a profound and reflective testament to the three-year mark of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Through an evocative blend of artistic mediums, the exhibition creates a space for remembrance, healing, and understanding, amplifying the stories of those whose lives have been forever altered by the ongoing war.

At its heart, the exhibition delves into the intertwined themes of trauma, resilience, strength, and unity, giving voice to the human stories behind the invasion. Moldova, a country that has opened its arms and hearts to over 1.9 million refugees, with over 135,000 choosing to stay, becomes both a backdrop and a beacon in this narrative. Since 2022, the Moldovan government, in partnership with UNHCR, other UN agencies, national and international organizations, and the people of Moldova, has been steadfast in its support of refugees and vulnerable communities, underscoring the enduring power of solidarity.

Central to the exhibition is the work of Moldovan artist Valeria Duca, whose journey began at an early age and has since led her to international acclaim. Currently based in Oslo, Valeria returned to Moldova, compelled by the need to help document this turbulent chapter of history. As a volunteer, she bore witness to the raw realities of displacement—families arriving at the borders, uncertain futures, and the quiet yet profound resilience of those seeking sanctuary. Valeria’s paintings, presented in this exhibition, transcend documentation. Through her fragmented realism style, she weaves deeply personal narratives of survival, displacement, and hope. Her muted tones, frozen expressions, and layered textures evoke a spectrum of emotions—fear, uncertainty, resilience, and an enduring hope for a better future. Each work serves as a bridge between individual stories and collective memory, inviting viewers to pause, reflect, and connect.

The exhibition also incorporates “Cele rele să se spele, cele bune să se adune”, an interactive installation produced by Victoria Peev and Valeria Duca, that engages viewers in the ongoing processes of healing, solidarity, and collective strength. This participatory piece challenges audiences to reflect on their own roles in fostering empathy and resilience, transforming passive observation into active introspection.

Adding another dimension to the narrative are audio testimonies curated by theational Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova and Ptashka. These voices reveal the raw and unfiltered realities of displacement. Each testimony carries the weight of a singular life, a unique story of survival, adaptation, and perseverance. Together, they form a collective narrative of resilience, underscoring the humanity behind every story.

A space where art becomes a vessel for memory and a call for empathy. The works presented do not merely document a moment in history; they invite audiences to connect emotionally, intellectually, and spiritually with the lives and experiences of those affected. Through the lens of art, we are reminded of the shared humanity that unites us, the resilience that sustains us, and the collective hope for a future defined not by division and war, but by peace, compassion, and solidarity.

This Exhibition is organized by the Presidency of the Republic of Moldova, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), and the National Museum of Fine Art Moldova, in collaboration with the National Congress of Ukrainians in Moldova as part of the “Big Heart” initiative, Intersos, and the Association for Ukrainian Culture and Art in Moldova “PTASHKA”. This exhibition would not have been possible without the steadfast support of our donors.