Nuclear Safety and Art: Chernobyl 40th Anniversary Exhibition Opens in Potsdam
On Saturday, April 11, 2026, at 12:00, the multimedia exhibition “Die Tschornobyl-Katastrophe: 40 Jahre her und dennoch sehr aktuell” opened at the St. Nicholas Church (St. Nikolaikirche) in Potsdam, Germany. The project, titled “Nuclear Scar: Past, Present, Future,” brings together Ukrainian and international artists to highlight the fragility of nuclear safety within the context of modern warfare.
Organized by the Ukrainian NGO PUSH-UA e.V. in cooperation with the Kyiv-based publishing house Portal, the exhibition serves as a stark reminder that the lessons of the 1986 disaster remain relevant. Curator Olha Kovalevska noted that the project utilizes the universal language of art to unite efforts from Ukraine and the global community.
Featured Projects and Artistic Contributions
The exhibition is composed of several distinct multimedia elements, each addressing different facets of the nuclear tragedy and its aftermath:
- International Poster Art: The “4th Block” Association of Graphic Designers from Kharkiv presented the Nuclear Scar: Past, Present, Future project, featuring works from artists in Japan, Indonesia, Ecuador, and Mexico.
- Archival Photography: The exhibition showcases unique photographs by Viktor Marushchenko, who spent 20 years documenting the consequences of the disaster. During the opening, his son, Tore, spoke about the function.
- Installation Art: Artist Irsha presented “The Depth of Chornobyl,” a piece dedicated to the heroism of the liquidators.
- Book Illustration: Anna Ivanenko and Zhenia Polosina of the Seri/graph studio presented visual materials for the book “Reactors Do Not Explode.” A German translation of the book, recently published in Dresden, is also on display.
The Geopolitical Context of Nuclear Risk
The organizers emphasize that the topic of Chernobyl is no longer merely a historical study. The exhibition warns against the current dangers of nuclear blackmail and the seizure of nuclear power plants, turning them into theaters of war. The project underscores the ongoing struggle for historical truth, noting that Russia continues to conceal archival documents regarding the disaster.
Key Takeaways
- Venue: St. Nicholas Church, Potsdam—a Classicist building designed by Karl Friedrich Schinkel and re-consecrated in 1981.
- Purpose: To warn the world about the vulnerability of nuclear safety amid current conflicts.
- Collaborators: PUSH-UA e.V., Portal publishing house, and international artists.
- Core Theme: The intersection of historical tragedy, artistic expression, and modern geopolitical risk.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the primary goal of the “Nuclear Scar” project?
The project aims to draw global attention to the fragility of nuclear safety, particularly how current wars can jeopardize nuclear facilities and turn them into tools of blackmail.
Who are the main organizers of the Potsdam exhibition?
The exhibition was initiated by Ukrainian activists from the NGO PUSH-UA e.V. In partnership with the Kyiv-based publishing house Portal.
Where is the exhibition located?
It is held at the St. Nicholas Church (St. Nikolaikirche) on the Old Market Square (Alter Markt) in Potsdam, Germany.