We invite you to the opening of Alla “Ruta” Pushkarchuk's photo exhibition “Betelgeuse. A Necklace for Ruta.”
Opening: 23 April at 18:30 at the INDEX office
Opening hours: Every Wednesday and Friday from 16:00 to 19:00, until 27 June inclusive
Address: 33 Ivan Franko Street, Lviv (3rd floor, central door)
The exhibition "Betelgeuse. A Necklace for Ruta” is an attempt to recreate the full of unexpected connections and intertwining, beautiful world of Alla “Ruta" Pushkarchuk, who died in April 2024 during a shelling in the Donetsk region. During her lifetime, Alla was fond of theatre and literature, collected traditional Ukrainian jewellery, rescued animals from the frontline areas, and selflessly immersed herself in the very essence of things, whether it was making ceramics or operating an artillery aiming circle. The exhibition presents Alla's photographic and poetic works, as well as the things dear to her heart - necklaces that she wore over her military uniform.
"Betelgeuse. A Necklace for Ruta" is not only a tribute to Alla "Ruta" Pushkarchuk, but also a chance to see the world through her eyes.
Alla’s closest friends and loved ones will attend the opening of the photo exhibition.
The exhibition was first presented at the PEN Ukraine space in Kyiv. PEN Ukraine and the cultural and publishing project Chytomo are co-organisers of the exhibition.
Alla Pushkarchuk (“Ruta”) is a Ukrainian journalist, editor, theatre critic, and military officer. She took part in the Revolution of Dignity, during which she joined the Right Sector, and later travelled to the frontline to write and take photos as part of their information department. From August 2014 to April 2018, she worked as a journalist and photographer at the 5th Separate Battalion of the Ukrainian Volunteer Army. Later, she was demobilised and worked as a journalist at the Ukrainian Week, a PR specialist at the “Komora” Publishing House, and a news editor at the Chytomo cultural and publishing project.
With the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, she joined the defence of Kyiv with her partner, serving in the territorial defence since March, and on 1 April joined the Armed Forces of Ukraine as a mortar launcher in the 58th Mechanised Brigade.
She died on 25 April 2024 as a result of a missile attack in the village of Udachne, Donetsk region. She was posthumously awarded the Order of Merit III class.
