The exhibition “Structures of Reciprocity”

The exhibition, “Structures of Reciprocity,” is based on the concept of architectural constructions in which the main elements support one another without additional reinforcements. This model serves as a metaphor for the societal structure of mutual support, which Ukrainian society painfully and intuitively rediscovered in 2014 and again in 2022.

Opening hours and ticket price

Opening hours October 19 – February 23:

Mon – closed

TUE-FRI 12:00-20:00

SAT-SUN 11:00-20:00

Tickets: 200 UAH

Half-price tickets for schoolchildren, students, internally displaced persons, and senior citizens.

Free for children under 7 years old, people with disabilities, veterans, military personnel, students of the Academies of Arts, Trush College, and Lviv cultural studies departments.

Structures of Reciprocity

Several elements support and rely on each other without external support, a foundation, or a center. Together, they form a mutually supportive spatial structure—light, transparent, non-hierarchical, and capable of withstanding heavy loads. It might resemble either a honeycomb or an interweaving of branches when you look up while walking through the forest. At the same time, it is fragile and delicate. Take away just one of these elements, and the whole structure instantly crumbles.

What is known in architecture as a reciprocal structure was intuitively and painfully rediscovered by Ukrainian society in 2014 and with renewed vigor after February 2022. This reciprocity manifested as a long-lasting gesture of giving and support that sustains life and resists destruction, a fragile and vulnerable connection between people when the common strength rests on each individual. This relationship embodies great trust in each other, the symmetry of balanced movement, and a complex multi-level network.

Such a social reciprocal structure is both quite utopian and absolutely real. It emerges through a daily process of collectively defending a democratic society of equality and mutual support, a society that can rely on itself (and sometimes only on itself) in times of extreme threat. This is the daily reality of mutual aid and support in Ukraine during the great war. It is a daily struggle and inquiry for the future.

The exhibition Structures of Reciprocity offers a shared process for exploring and experiencing different aspects of social interaction in times of great trauma and upheaval. Drawing on the architecture of the Jam Factory Art Center, the exhibition invites you to two spaces. One is the Space of the Past—the basement—where artists will share stories from Ukraine and other countries and continents: images of remembering and forgetting, loss and recovery, and reclaiming their own voices and histories. The other one is the Space of the Present—on the main exhibition floor—where a series of interactions, conversations, and co-creations will take place throughout the exhibition period, within a structure created by architect and artist Oleksandr Burlaka, based on the principle of structural reciprocity. Supported by various artists, different groups of visitors will weave new meanings, objects, forms, and connections from their own war stories, live through losses, and seek healing. Together, this diverse Past and a fluid, moving, mutually supportive, and co-creative Present will attempt to outline the contours of a possible and desired Future.

Curatorial team: Kateryna Botanova, Ilona Demchenko, Ksenia Malykh
Project architect: Oleksandr Burlaka

Artists

In the Space of the Present:
Alevtina Kakhidze
Felipe Castelblanco
Oleksandr Burlaka
Olena Turyanska
Olga Shyshlova
Yasia Khomenko
Zhanna Kadyrova
_Mediaklub (Photinus Studio) together with students of The Transcarpathian Academy of Arts and Photinus School.

In the Space of the Past and between spaces:
Anton Shebetko
Binta Diaw
Christian Nyampeta
Dana Kavelina
Dasha Chechushkova
Felipe Castelblanco and Lydia Zimmermann
Francis Alÿs
Maksim Kolomiiets
Open Group
Oraib Toukan
Roman Khimei and Livyj Bereh
Yana Kononova

Disclaimer

The content presented at this exhibition reflects the diverse range of experiences and ideas of various artists and communities. It aims to provide multiple perspectives and initiate dialogue, which is fundamental to a democratic society. While the views expressed may differ from those of the Jam Factory Art Center, they are not intended to offend or harm, but rather to encourage deeper understanding and reflection.

Our aim is to foster meaningful dialogue that encourages nuanced understanding. We therefore invite you to join our discussions with scholars and curators, held throughout the duration of the exhibition.

Please note that some works are presented in their original languages, including English, Arabic, Yiddish, Spanish, German, Polish, and Russian.

Some artworks contain sensitive images. Children under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.