“Unseen Force” is a necessary exhibition. During my visit to Kyiv, it was a revelation to closely witness the myriad forms of resistance against the occupation in territories temporarily under Russian control — and their social and artistic creativity. Throughout Europe, we must make this force of resistance visible to understand the monster against which the Ukrainian people are fighting.

Carles Torner, Catalan writer, Vice president of PEN International

The temporarily occupied territories are currently the most painful part of our country, and the people there are living in the harshest conditions. We must not forget that Ukrainians are there, that it is much harder for them, and even under such circumstances, they continue to resist in every possible way. That is why this exhibition is so important – as a reminder of their strong and brave fight, as a message of support – that we are united, we have not forgotten about you, and we want you to return home.

Olena Churanova, Stop Fake expert and fact checker

‘The struggle continues. Our resistance continues. And this exhibition is about that. About our people – unbreakable, strong, freedom-loving. Who tells the occupier to get out of our land because he’s not welcome here? Children, young people, men, women, the elderly – all generations are demonstrating resistance to Russia’s aggressive ambitions. The voices of brave and dedicated people who were not afraid to resist the occupation must be heard. Today, hundreds of our citizens living in the occupied Crimea inspire the whole world with their resistance. Despite pressure, the possibility of detention, threats and intimidation, they demonstrate their loyalty to Ukraine, waiting for the Armed Forces and liberation from the Russian occupation regime. Qırım serbest olacaq!’

Tamila Tasheva, Permanent Representative of the President of Ukraine in the Autonomous Republic of Crimea

I’ve heard many times from artists who endured the occupation that creating art during the occupation and about this experience helped them to survive and overcome this trauma. Now, for us, this art is also a testament to the crimes of the occupying regime. This art is a manifestation of the civic position, and they cannot be separated.

Tetyana Filevska, curator of the women's artistic resistance section

The whole world knows about the Ukrainian’s armed resistance. But not about their nonviolent resistance

Prof. Felipe Daza, co-founder of the International Institute for Nonviolent Action