“Embroidered With Pain” Exhibit Honors Survivors of Sexual Violence in War in Ukraine – Scottsdale Debut Draws Crowd and Compassion
Volunteer, advocate and Ukraine supporter Mark Lieber attends the “Embroidered With Pain” opening reception at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts in Scottsdale, Arizona. Photos by Iryna Nelson.
On April 5th, over 100 guests gathered at the Scottsdale Center for the Performing Arts for the powerful debut and USA tour of “Embroidered With Pain,” a poignant exhibit that honors Ukrainian survivors of sexual violence in war. Blending ancient tradition with deeply personal stories of trauma and resilience, the exhibition uses the centuries-old Ukrainian art of “rushnyk” embroidery to encode and retell the experiences of women, girls and men who endured sexual violence as a weapon of war during russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
As of October 2024, Ukrainian authorities have documented 321 cases of sexual war crimes committed at the hands of russian soldiers, 115 of which were registered to male victims. The actual number of these crimes against humanity is unknown due to complexities of occupation and cultural stigma but are believed to be at least 5 times higher. Kherson region in southern Ukraine has the highest recorded incidents of sexual violence committed by russian army. “Embroidered With Pain” was launched as a public health initiative by One Health agency based in Ukraine. This project aimed to raise awareness about sexual war crimes and to encourage survivors to speak out while seeking professional assistance and healing. The project uses the familiar to all Ukrainians ancient art of embroidered “rushnyk” - a ritual cloth, encoded with meaningful ornaments - to tell the stories of overcoming trauma and finding healing and hope beyond what was endured.
The opening reception for “Emboidered With Pain” in Scottsdale was open to the public and drew a diverse crowd of community members, advocates, Ukraine supporters and cultural leaders. The evening began with welcoming remarks from Olya Johnson of Cactus and Tryzub, a Ukrainian support volunteer initiative. Olya was instrumental in bringing the exhibit from Ukraine to Arizona. Nalya Olbert-Sinko, a partner from Ukraine with the organization One Health, addressed the audience with an emotional and heartfelt message on the importance of global solidarity, justice, and amplifying the voices of war crime survivors. Guest speaker Larysa Kurylas, the designer and architect of the Holodomor Memorial in Washington D.C. presented on the power of imagery in art-with-a-mission tribute projects while drawing parallels between bringing awareness to genocide and war crimes. A special video address from Arizona Senator Mark Kelly reflecting on his recent trip to Ukraine was presented along with the formal letter of support from the Senator which was read by Judge Orest Jejna of Scottsdale. The exhibit was officially dedicated by Chrystine Boyko of the UNWLA Phoenix Branch #3, marking a solemn but hopeful moment in the program.
“There are multiple reasons why we are brining the “Embroidered With Pain” exhibit to the United States. The one that is dear to our hearts is the message to all people that have ever been a subject to sexual violence or assault – even in the darkest hour, there will be the hope and light one day. The recovery will not be easy or fast, in many cases it will be everlasting. But there is hope, and healing. Our hope is that the stories and inspired artwork of those who survived the war, the sexual violence will bring strength to those around us that need it.”
The emotional peak of the evening came during a live reading of one of the embroidered stories titled “Life Goes On” performed by Kateryna Kostuchenko of the UNWLA. Kateryna’s voice carried the pain and strength of survivors. Accompanied by the beautiful violin performance by Alona Liesniak of Alona’s Elegant Violin it was a moment in the opening reception which added a deeply moving layer to the exhibit experience.
Each embroidered rushnyk served not only as cultural artifact but also as a living memorial. Survivors’ stories were collected by psychologists and were brought to life by artists, ethnographers and master embroiders. Each stitch represents memory, grief, and ultimately - resilience. The exhibit offers viewers both a historical and emotional education, challenging them to confront the reality of wartime sexual violence and to bear witness to the courage of those who survived it. The evening concluded with closing remarks from Irene Amrine of Cactus and Tryzub, who emphasized the importance of continued awareness and advocacy by using our own voices and influence.
“Embroidered With Pain” will remain on display in Scottsdale through August 3, 2025, giving the public ample opportunity to engage with this vital and visually captivating testament to strength and survival. The exhibit not only pays tribute to survivors whose stories are told in thread but also preserves a sacred cultural tradition that carries their legacy forward — one stitch, and one story, at a time.
“Embroidered With Pain” USA tour launch was made possible with a generous donation by an anonymous donor in partnership with Cactus and Tryzub, Ukrainian American Society of Tucson and Scottsdale Arts.
“By bringing the “Embroidered With Pain” exhibit to the United States, we aim to amplify the voices of Ukrainians—women, men, and children—who survived sexual violence during the occupation and bravely spoke out. We must bring attention to these horrific war crimes today, not wait until the war is over. Justice delayed is justice denied, and these voices must not be silenced. It is our hope that this exhibit will be shown in every state, raising awareness of the trauma endured by the people of Ukraine at the hands of russian soldiers.”
