The contemporary art center IZOLYATSIA (a.k.a. IZO) was based at the site of a former insulation factory in Donetsk in eastern Ukraine, taking its name from the original manufacturer. In June 2014 IZO was seized by the Russia-backed armed forces of the so-called Donetsk People’s Republic, who turned the site into an illegal prison and filtration camp, forcing the art foundation to relocate to Kyiv. In 2021 IZO’s managers decided to go back to Donbas — the area encompassing Donetsk and neighboring Luhansk region — and opened their new headquarters in Soledar, a small city known for its salt mines. The Russian Federation's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, begun Feb. 24, 2022, has led to the near destruction of Soledar.
This analysis by Davis Center visiting scholar Ewa Sułek examines IZO’s numerous transitions — from art center to prison, from art-making to radical political activism, and from eastern Ukraine to multiple locations.
Her presentation is part of the Visiting Scholar Seminar series hosted by our Visiting Scholars Program. The goal of these biweekly seminars is to provide an informal setting for our scholars to share progress on their work and to receive feedback from or generate discussion among the Davis Center community.
If you would like to attend Ewa's talk, please make sure to register.
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The Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies at Harvard University encourages persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact us at 617-495-4037 or daviscenter@fas.harvard.edu in advance of your participation or visit. Requests for Sign Language interpreters and/or CART providers should be made at least two weeks in advance if possible. Please note that the Davis Center will make every effort to secure services but that services are subject to availability.
