Vakulenko Art Consulting. Chess. The Art of the Game

Vakulenko Art Consulting, in partnership with the Chess Federation of Ukraine, presents an exhibition dedicated to chess — as a subject in art, an object of collecting, and a cultural phenomenon that extends far beyond the chessboard. The gallery’s two exhibition halls will feature paintings by Ukrainian artists, collectible chess sets, an educational program, and a charity tournament.

Opening: June 3 at 6:00 PM.

About the Exhibition

Chess is one of the few games that has never been merely a game. Behind the sixteen pieces lies strategy and philosophy; behind every move, a decision reflecting a person’s character. It is this depth that Ukrainian artists explore in works where chess becomes a lens through which to discuss tension and rivalry, patience and risk, strategy and intuition.

The first hall presents paintings by Ukrainian artists. The second hall features collectible and artist-designed chess sets, showcasing chess as an object of design, culture, and collecting.

Participating artists: Novan, Andrii Bludov, Viacheslav Breish, David Burliuk, Mykhailo Vainshtein, Matvii Vaisberg, Yurii Vakulenko, Anatolii Varvarov, Alla Volobuieva, Mykhailo Hleizer, Maryna Hubareva, Yurii Denysenkov, Yevhen Klymenko, Serhii Korniievskyi, Ruslan Kutniak, Yevhen Leshchenko, Volodymyr Loboda, Anton Logov, Volodymyr Padun, Eduard Potapenkov, Liudmyla Rashtanova, Oleksandr Roitburd, Bohdan Sokur, Oleh Suslenko, Yaroslava Tkachuk, Mykhailo Khimich, Vladyslav Shereshevskyi, and Liza Yashyna.

"I have always been surprised that chess — with its profound history, philosophy, and expressive visual language — has never become the foundation of a major art project. For me, it was natural to bring these two worlds together. Most importantly, we want more people to discover chess through this exhibition. Art is the best way to tell the story of the game to those who have never sat down at a chessboard", says Vladyslav Vakulenko, exhibition curator and co-owner of Vakulenko Art Consulting.

Event Program

Alongside the exhibition, the Chess Federation of Ukraine will present a public program featuring educational activities for children and adults, as well as a charity chess tournament for members of the business community.

Tournament entry fees will be directed toward supporting the Omega Special Purpose Center, a unit involved in defending Ukraine against armed aggression. The fundraising goal is UAH 100,000.

Organizers

Vakulenko Art Consulting is an independent gallery and art consulting company that has worked with contemporary and collectible Ukrainian art since 1991. The organization develops exhibition projects, conducts auctions, and creates cultural events that promote Ukrainian art in Ukraine and internationally.

The Chess Federation of Ukraine is the national sports organization responsible for the development of chess in Ukraine, organizing national and international tournaments and representing Ukraine on the global chess stage.

Practical Information

Exhibition dates: June 3 – July 5, 2026.

Opening hours: Wednesday–Sunday, 11:00 AM – 7:00 PM.

Address: 8 Kostolna Street, Kyiv.

Admission: Free.