Lesia Vasylchenko Wins Prestigious PinchukArtCentre Prize 2025

Lesia Vasylchenko, a prominent Ukrainian artist, has been awarded the main prize at the 2025 PinchukArtCentre Prize, a significant accolade aimed at recognizing the talents of artists aged 35 and under in Ukraine. The award ceremony, held on June 19, 2025, at the PinchukArtCentre in Kyiv, saw Vasylchenko awarded 400,000 UAH (approximately 10,000 USD) for her compelling video installation titled "Night Without Shadows and Light Without Rippling of Waves" (2022–2025). This installation explores themes of longing, trauma, and hope, capturing the essence of the Ukrainian sky, which has transformed from a symbol of freedom into a backdrop for disaster.

Vasylchenko's commitment to her community was highlighted during the event, where she announced her intention to donate her entire prize money to charitable efforts supporting the Ukrainian army. This gesture resonated deeply with the audience and the art community, showcasing the role of art as a tool for resilience in times of conflict.

The PinchukArtCentre Prize, established in 2009 by businessman and philanthropist Victor Pinchuk, aims to foster a new generation of Ukrainian artists, providing them with a platform to present their work and gain institutional support. This initiative is particularly vital as Ukraine continues to navigate the challenges posed by ongoing geopolitical tensions. According to an official statement from the PinchukArtCentre, the prize not only supports emerging artists but also contributes to positioning Kyiv as a leading cultural hub.

During the award ceremony, the jury, consisting of notable figures such as Björn Geldhof, the Artistic Director of the PinchukArtCentre, and prominent curators and artists, praised Vasylchenko's work for its conceptual rigor and emotional depth. The jury's statement emphasized that her installation effectively engages with urgent questions surrounding authorship and the construction of historical narratives through artistic expression.

In addition to Vasylchenko's accolade, the ceremony recognized Kateryna Aliinyk, who received the first special prize for her poignant work reflecting on memory and loss, and Yevhen Korshunov, who won both the second special prize and the Public Prize Award for his depictions of daily life during wartime. The public choice award was determined by votes from 2,282 visitors to the PinchukArtCentre, highlighting the community's engagement with the artists and their works.

This year’s prize also paid homage to the late Veronika Kozhushko, a young artist from Kharkiv who lost her life in a tragic missile strike, symbolizing the profound impact of the ongoing conflict on Ukraine’s cultural landscape.

The PinchukArtCentre Prize serves as a reminder of the resilience of Ukrainian artists and the vital role of contemporary art in addressing social and political issues. It underscores the potential of art to inspire change and foster connections, even amidst adversity. The exhibition showcasing the shortlisted works will remain open until July 13, 2025, providing further opportunity for public engagement and dialogue surrounding these important artistic narratives.