Unique Art Train Exhibition Launched in Odesa to Support Ukraine
In Odesa, the world's first art train has been launched, showcasing exhibitions focused on the war in Ukraine.
Specially equipped cars display photographs taken by renowned photographer and philanthropist Howard Buffett during his travels across Ukraine amid the ongoing conflict.
"We have achieved the unbelievable. This train is the result of extensive work by many individuals, an incredible team. I have visited Ukraine 25 times and I want to thank everyone who supports this country," Buffett stated.
Among the attendees were the chairman of JSC "Ukrzaliznytsia", Oleksandr Pertzovsky, and notable Ukrainian figures.
Buffett and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Muhammad Muheisen signed their autographs on one of the train cars.
"This project is unique as there have never been art trains during wartime in the world. With the help of the Howard Buffett Foundation, we revived obsolete passenger cars at Ukrzaliznytsia's facilities and filled them with images meant to touch every heart. The art train plans to travel to 63 cities over 4 months; however, we will not publish the exact schedule for security reasons and will take into account the situation in each region," emphasized Oleksandr Pertzovsky.
He shared that it has been exactly 92 days since Howard's idea to create something special for Ukraine, something that has never existed before. "The art train will be able to travel throughout Ukraine, reaching small communities lacking galleries and museums, bringing a bit of art and emotion," Pertzovsky added.
The exhibition's uniqueness lies in the fact that the photographs are placed in three specially designed cars equipped with lighting and music.
"I traveled from the east to Odessa, and I truly saw how tired people are and what peace means to them. Yet, none seem to give up. Ukraine will undoubtedly prevail," commented Howard Buffett.
The mobile exhibition will remain in Odesa until June 17. Afterwards, the art train will journey across Ukraine from frontline areas to the Carpathians.
Entry to the exhibition is free, and visitors can book a time slot to avoid queues by pre-registering. An electronic invitation can be obtained by filling out a registration form on the official website.
The art train was created by Ukrzaliznytsia with the support of the Howard Buffett Foundation. The creative ideologist and organizer of the exhibition is photojournalist, National Geographic photographer, and two-time Pulitzer Prize winner Muhammad Muheisen.
The train will stay in Odesa until June 17.
Since 2022, the Howard Buffett Foundation has allocated over 1 billion dollars to support recovery efforts in Ukraine, including demining, humanitarian aid, prosthetics, children's programs, war crime investigations, agriculture, public safety, critical infrastructure, and projects that tell the truth about the war and strengthen Ukrainian communities.
