Saturday, April 2, 2022, is recognized globally as “Slow Art Day” where art spaces, galleries, museums, and art institutions around the world plan events centered around slowing down and spending time to observe art. El Nido is proud to present special programming in honor of this day. The two-person exhibition, “War and Peace” (Ukrainian Voices), Denys Kushnarov and Yuri Boyko, brings forth a sincere gesture to support a country currently under fire and is curated by Victoria Chapman (VC Projects) The exhibition began as the curator reached out to Denys Kushnarov, a Kyiv-based filmmaker, who Chapman befriended a few years ago on Instagram, requesting a personal letter be written to the world based on the current Russian invasion. With some thought, Kushnarov provided, “A Message from Ukraine”, and along with, six supporting short films about his country, including 2014-2015 “Make Music Not War!”, made after Donbas region and Crimea Peninsula were annexed by Russia. The remaining five shorts, “Rocketman”, “United System”, “There is a Place” (dedicated to the Chernobyl tragedy), “Annihilation”, and Memorial Choir "Ukraina", which Kushnarov is associated with and felt it too, shares a multifaceted story about Ukraine, its people, and the core of their humanity. During the same time of communicating with Kushnarov, Chapman also reached out to Los Angeles-based Ukrainian-American artist, Yuri Boyko. The two did a support gathering with artists and friends in Los Angeles acknowledging Ukraine’s current state and its rich history spanning over sixteen centuries. As the news deepened and emotions began to build, it seemed obvious to Chapman to share Kushnarov and Boyko’s voices, one in the middle of a conflict in Kyiv and the other at afar in Los Angeles. Both are just and very real. Chapman thought to herself, “What could be more relevant for Slow Art Day … taking a pause to reflect on art and humanity.” With this said, also on display, are the photography series, “Departure and Arrival”, by Boyko. The series presents written prose and visual exploration of the artist’s grandmother’s home. After 30 years, Boyko returned to the dwelling and what he found was quite fascinating: all family rituals and traditions still intact. Time seemed to stand still there, while Boyko’s world had clearly been set on a different course. Boyko’s photographs, which are on linen, are a sincere capture. “War and Peace” (Ukrainian Voices ) exhibition, brings together two artists that share a love for their country, and the pain and hope of people besieged and uprooted by the war. The afternoon is designed to instill discussion and support.