The world exhibition premier, hosted by Alexandre Gertsman Gallery, brought to American shores the first series of works by the newly created Ukrainian art duo, Mykola Babak and Evgene Matveev. The artists, individually, had represented Ukraine at arguably the most prestigious world’s art event, Venice Biennale, and participated in the International Photobiennale in Stockholm, and at the Graphics Biennale in Bella, Italy. Both of the artists also showed their works at Art-Arsenal, Ukraine’s pre-eminent event, and International Photo-Biennale in Kyiv. To honor the artists and to celebrate Ukrainian arts and culture and its place on the world map, the gallery organized a special reception, which was supported by the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations and the Consulate General of Ukraine in New York, with special guests Ambassador, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Volodymyr Yelchenko and Consul General of Ukraine in New York Oleksii Holubov.

Volodymyr Yelchenko noted in his speech that “the work of art-tandem Babak-Matveev is an excellent example of aptitude, ambition, hard work and belief in the significance of the past, as well as the inevitable opportunities which the future holds. The world should further reveal the inexhaustible potential of Ukraine”. Oleksii Holubov accentuated the significance of such events for Ukraine and the value of the work of Babak-Matveev and other Ukrainian artists promoting Ukrainian art and culture in the US. The highlight of the exhibition was the Project “Sacrifice”, based on the events of the Ukrainian Revolution of Dignity during November 2013 – February 2014. Babak-Matveev have dedicated this project to Ukraine and its people. Works by other Ukrainian-born artists, represented by the gallery: Oleg Dergachov, Ilya and Emilia Kabakov, Igor and Svetlana Kopystiansky, Violetta Livshen, and George Pusenkoff were also proudly on display.