A major exhibition honoring the life of the renowned Ukrainian poet Vasyl Stus will open at the Art Arsenal in Kyiv.

The project titled “Vasyl Stus: The Power of Words” will run from November 13 to February 8 and will occupy several exhibition halls.

The exhibition's name comes from a quote in Stus's correspondence with his friend Anatolii Lazorenko: “As long as we are here, everything will be alright.” These words, according to the organizers, embody hope and resilience, essential for everyone during turbulent times.

The exhibit will allow visitors to explore various aspects of Stus's work—from his poetry to his journalism.

“It is impressive how Stus managed to adhere to his principles while facing persecution. He sought truth, which made him lonely and misunderstood by many,” the organizers state.

Project curator Olha Melnyk emphasizes that the exhibition is not a simple biography. “We will focus on key moments that help to understand his literary contributions. Visitors will be immersed in the context of the 1960s to 1980s,” she explains.

This exhibition marks the first major project dedicated to Ukrainian cultural heritage since the onset of the war with Russia.

“This project is incredibly significant for us. We are preparing an educational program to help visitors better understand Stus's character,”

said director Olesia Ostrovskaya-Lyuta.

The exhibition will feature a wealth of archival materials, as well as voices of prominent Ukrainian poets and poetesses reading Stus's works.

The organizers draw parallels between Stus's life and the present day, highlighting common themes such as the search for identity and the value of friendship.

Among the readers of Stus's poetry are well-known contemporary figures, making this event even more significant.