Updated Exhibition “Warriors of Light” at TNMU

The exhibition “Warriors of Light” has once again been presented at Ternopil National Medical University. Already familiar to the university community, it now appears in a renewed, even deeper, and more emotionally powerful format. The exhibition brings together artworks created by wounded servicemen undergoing treatment and rehabilitation in medical institutions in Ternopil, as well as photographs capturing the very process of creation—sincere, challenging, and, at the same time, deeply inspiring.

As before, the initiator and organizer of the project is volunteer Olena Khmelnytska, who continues to work tirelessly with the soldiers, opening up new opportunities for self-expression through art. With the support of the Center for Educational Work and Cultural Development, the exhibition in 2026 has gained a new dimension, as many of its participants have returned to creativity with new experiences, emotions, and meanings.

The paintings presented at the exhibition are more than just works of art. They are stories of struggle, pain, hope, and inner recovery. Many servicemen initially approach the brush with caution, not seeing themselves as artists. However, over time, the creative process captivates them, helping them discover new facets of themselves, restore confidence in their own abilities, and find inner balance. For many, it becomes not only a means of self-expression but also an important stage of psychological recovery.

This is where art therapy becomes especially significant. It has long proven to be an effective method of supporting people who have experienced traumatic events. For wounded soldiers, art becomes a safe space where they can process complex emotions, reduce levels of anxiety, and even alleviate physical pain. Painting helps shift attention, restore a sense of control over one’s life, and gradually return to inner harmony. In the process of creative work, not only a painting is born—a new experience and a new perception of oneself and the world also emerge.

The project organizers emphasize that this work transforms not only the soldiers but also those around them. Shared creativity breaks down barriers and fosters mutual understanding, empathy, and humanity. Even after completing their treatment, many participants continue to engage in art, keep painting, and maintain contact with volunteers. As Ms. Olena notes, some of the men willingly meet with young people, share their experiences, and painting has remained their hobby.

The 2026 exhibition “Warriors of Light” is not just a cultural event but a space for dialogue, support, and gratitude. It reminds us that behind every artwork stands a living human story—someone who has endured the trials of war yet managed to preserve the light within.

The exhibition is held in the TNMU administrative building (4th-floor foyer). The Center for Educational Work and Cultural Development invites students to visit the exhibition and to join the “Warriors of Light” project—to support wounded soldiers, assist them in their creative journey, and offer the most valuable things of all: attention, warmth, and sincere human connection.