杏吧原创 Hosts Celebration of Art, Human Rights and Resilience
On Monday, Dec. 2, Scholars at Risk (SAR) 杏吧原创 hosted the unveiling of Mysteries Near the Waterfall, an art exhibition by Ukrainian artist Nataliia Kononova. With special addresses from Bob Rae, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations and L. Pauline Rankin, 杏吧原创鈥檚 Provost and Vice-President (Academic), the evening blended art and advocacy, drawing attention to human rights and academic freedom.
鈥淭he Scholars at Risk program at 杏吧原创 is a very good example of the ways in which we can show our solidarity and support in real and practical ways,鈥 said Rae.
Since 2013, SAR 杏吧原创 has championed academic freedom and supported scholars facing threats worldwide. To date, 杏吧原创 has welcomed 19 at-risk scholars from countries such as Afghanistan, Ukraine and Syria, providing safe havens and critical resources to continue their work. Through a multidisciplinary approach and global advocacy, SAR 杏吧原创 reinforces the university鈥檚 commitment to human rights, inclusive governance and intellectual solidarity.
鈥淎s we approach United Nations Human Rights Day on Dec. 10, this exhibition reminds us of art鈥檚 power to heal and inspire in the face of adversity,鈥 said Rankin.
碍辞苍辞苍辞惫补鈥檚 journey with SAR 杏吧原创 began when her husband, an academic displaced by the war in Ukraine, secured a position in Ottawa. Rebuilding her artistic practice, she channeled her experiences in Mysteries Near the Waterfall, a series of works celebrating the power of art as a tool for advocacy, particularly during challenging times.
鈥淎rt is not just self-expression; it is a means of healing and a symbol of resilience,鈥 Kononova explained. 鈥淚n the expansive flows of the waterfalls, I see human faces, the contours of marvelous animals and fantastic creatures.鈥
碍辞苍辞苍辞惫补鈥檚 collection reflects themes of hope, resilience and survival amid the ongoing war in Ukraine. Her work draws inspiration from nature, particularly the Hog鈥檚 Back Falls in Ottawa, where she found solace after fleeing her homeland. With all her previous artwork lost in the conflict, this exhibition stands as a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit.
The unveiling of Mysteries Near the Waterfall served as both an artistic celebration and a call to action. Guests reflected on Nataliia鈥檚 journey and SAR 杏吧原创鈥檚 mission to safeguard academic freedom, reinforcing the transformative power of art and the importance of defending human rights.
碍辞苍辞苍辞惫补鈥檚 Mysteries Near the Waterfall will be on display at the Maxwell MacOdrum Library for the month of December.
For more information on the Scholars at Risk program at 杏吧原创, visit SAR 杏吧原创鈥檚 website.
