The sound installation »Tryhova (The Sirens and the Mast)« is inextricably linked to the perception of war, dislocating and transporting immaterial elements of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine to exhibition venues in Europe as a way of confrontation.
Immense in its size, the work seems light and welcoming at first. However, once inside, a sharp and deep sound resonates through the curtained space. The audio component in »Tryhova,« a Ukrainian word for anxiety, and alarm, features a recording of mezzo-soprano Lena Bielkina and violinist Ihor Zavhorodnyi, who vocally and instrumentally mimic the eerie, ambient sound of the air raid alarm. The opera singer’s voice combined with the violin’s vibrations borders into the uncanny.
In the work, the siren’s acoustic warning of an impending airstrike and the foreboding call of the mythological death-spirit of the Siren are symbolically superimposed. The mast in »Tryhova« is empty.
Composers: Roman Grygoriv, Illia Razumeiko
Musicians: Lena Bielkina (mezzo-soprano), Ihor Zavhorodnii (violin)
Sound engineer: Anton Vertipolokh, Robin Bruneel
Fabric work: Bea Callemeyn
Metal construction: Palieter Hillewaere
Assistance: Lisa Guerra
The work was created with support of the Future Art Lab, University for Music and Performing Arts Vienna, In Flanders Fields Museum Ypres, SKD Dresden, and Asortymentna Kimmata gallery Ivano-Frankivsk. At CTM 2026 it is presented with kind support from Goethe-Institut Ukraine.
CTM 2026 Exhibition
24.1. – 22.3.2026 | Free entry
daadgalerie & Kunstraum Kreuzberg