To commemorate the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, People in Need has initiated video mapping on the Ministry of the Interior building in Prague’s Letná district. The video mapping, which displays two light installations, is inspired by the everyday lives of people affected by the war in Ukraine. The installations are meant to remind people that the war in Ukraine is still ongoing and the humanitarian situation in the country is worsening. The event was organized by People in Need in cooperation with the creative tech-art agency XLAB.

The main installation is a video mapping on the side wall of the Interior Ministry building, and subsequent projections on canvases in the adjacent park. The non-profit organization used photos and materials taken directly from Ukraine. The installation focuses on projecting people living in Ukraine, highlighting the most striking symbols Ukrainians encounter every day, such as headlines in newspapers, different signs on walls, bombing scenarios, mobile phone messages, and more.

Petr Štefan, media coordinator of People in Need, emphasized the purpose of the art installations on the outskirts of Letná Plain, which is to remind people that the war in Ukraine is still ongoing, and the humanitarian situation in the country is worsening. According to Štefan, the People in Need staff is committed to helping Ukraine for as long as it is needed. He also mentioned the great wave of solidarity across Czech society.

The event was attended by Anastasia, a Ukrainian girl who lived in Kharkiv, among others. She admitted that February 24th, a year ago, was the worst day of her life. The screenings and photographs reminded her of the beginning of the war but also gave her hope that the conflict might soon be over. She has been living in the Czech Republic for eleven months and works in a hospital, just like she did in Ukraine.

Letná plain was deliberately chosen for the screenings as it is the place where people go to remember significant events. The video mapping of the ministry building is available for viewing several times each evening until February 25.

In conclusion, the video mapping initiative by People in Need and XLAB in Prague is a creative way to commemorate the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The event aims to remind people of the ongoing war and the worsening humanitarian situation in the country. Through this initiative, People in Need also highlights their commitment to helping Ukraine for as long as it is needed.

Article by Prague Forum