Kyiv’s Third Wind exhibition offers interactive art like virtual sunrises, a giant purring cat sculpture, and a soundproof scream booth. While playful, its goal is serious: helping Ukrainians de-stress and process emotions after three years of war.
With mental health suffering from Russia’s invasion, the exhibit provides a brief escape to release tension and find strength to move forward, curator Yulia Solovey said. Nearly 100,000 visitors came in a month, including those like Inna Purgan, who found relief after stressful days.
The show’s name refers to the “second wind” of renewed energy amid exhaustion, inviting visitors to reflect on what helps them carry on.
Many, including theater worker Anastasia and her soldier husband Viktor, use the exhibit’s immersive experiences to reconnect with emotions and life.
Half the ticket sales support an NGO making prosthetics for veterans. After closing, the installations will move to rehab centers for trauma recovery.
Visitors also engage by writing colorful chalk messages and playfully shedding adult pressures, offering a rare moment of emotional release amid ongoing conflict. AFP
