March 9 — An attack on “Word”

On March 7th, Russian shelling in Kharkiv damaged a deeply symbolic building: a Constructivist-era residence known by the name “Word.” Architect Mytrofan Dashkevich designed the building in the shape of the letter “C” – the first Cyrillic letter in the word “CЛОВО” (slovo, which means “word”). The flats were built in 1930 for writers, artists,… Continue reading March 9 — An attack on “Word”

March 8 — The Kharkiv Art Museum under assault

The Russian bombardment has damaged the Kharkiv Art Museum. Most of the building’s windows are now broken. The museum’s collection hasn’t been removed to safe storage, presumably because of the absence of resources. So far, according to the latest reports, damage to the artwork has been limited, but there are obvious concerns about exposure to… Continue reading March 8 — The Kharkiv Art Museum under assault

March 6 — Continued attacks on precious art and architecture

I. The heavy bombardment of Chernihiv is ongoing. Vladimir Otroshchenko, the mayor of the city, has said that many architectural monuments have been damaged. He believes that the level of destruction in the city has now surpassed the damage caused by the Nazi bombardments of August, 1941. Detailed information is hard to come by, but… Continue reading March 6 — Continued attacks on precious art and architecture

March 4 — Links to three pieces on the grave threat to Ukrainian art and architecture

Last night, Russian troops were more concerned with the destruction of nuclear plants than with the annihilation of churches and museums, so today I’m sharing links to my article in the Wall Street Journal about the destruction of Ukrainian architecture and to a perfect BBC program on Ukrainian museums in danger. I would also like… Continue reading March 4 — Links to three pieces on the grave threat to Ukrainian art and architecture

March 3 — Ukrainian architecture under fire

The situation in Kharkiv is alarming. Russian troops are continuing the random shelling of the city. The central square of Kharkiv has suffered multiple rocket attacks. Kharkiv is the capital of Ukrainian Constructivist architecture. At the moment, “Gosprom,” the landmark Constructivist building in Freedom Square, is under dire threat. Please see my article in tomorrow’s… Continue reading March 3 — Ukrainian architecture under fire

March 2 — By attacking Ukraine, Russia wounds itself

According to unconfirmed reports, Russian troops occupying the town of Trostianets in the Sumy region, which is about 385 kilometers from Kyiv, destroyed the Round Yard, a fortified theater constructed in 1749 as part of the estate of Prince Vasilii Petrovich Golitsyn. These same reports also suggest that an important art gallery in the palace… Continue reading March 2 — By attacking Ukraine, Russia wounds itself