Pavuky for 1,000 Days
Pavuky for 1,000 Days is a community art installation commemorating 1,000 days since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Led by Bozhena Hrycyna, this project brings together traditional Ukrainian craftsmanship, collective memory, and a shared space for healing. During the SVI Holiday Market, community members and guests had the opportunity to add their own personal touch to contribute to the creation of the pavuky exhibit.
The Process
The centerpiece of this project is a traditional Ukrainian pavuk, woven from over 1,000 pieces of straw to symbolize each day of Ukrainian resistance.
A pavuk, meaning “spider” in Ukrainian, is a traditional geometric mobile with deep cultural roots. These handcrafted talismans are traditionally believed to trap negative energy and bring blessings and protection to households. Their web-like forms, made from harvest straw, reflect the interconnectedness of community and the cycles of life.
This installation honours Ukraine's ongoing struggle while engaging the community in meaningful cultural preservation.
Thank you to Anastasia Fyk and Jurgita Žvinklytė for their contributions.
How you can commemorate 1,000 Days of War in Ukraine:
1. Stop by and visit Pavuky for 1,000 Days at SVI.
The exhibit will remain on display at SVI from November 21 until the end of January.
2. Read The Language of War by Oleksandr Mykhed
Our November Book of the Month is a chronicle of the Russian invasion of Ukraine through Oleksandr Mykhed's day-to-day observations.
Part witness testimony, part meditation on human resilience, this collection grapples with a question: how does one capture an unimaginable new reality when war has transformed not just your homeland but the very language you use to make sense of the world?
3. Stay Informed
The Kyiv Independent has emerged as Ukraine's leading English-language news outlet, providing critical wartime coverage to millions of readers worldwide.
KI has become an essential source of reliable, ground-level reporting on Ukraine, earning international recognition for its independent journalism and comprehensive war coverage.
Support their work by becoming a member: https://kyivindependent.com/membership/
