Hymn for Ukraine

Originated and staged by Philip M Harris

Staged at the old Tramshed, The Strand, Derby, DE1 1BA
7:00pm, 17th and 18th March 2022

Hymn for Ukraine is a major experimental art event, staged to create a sonic and visual vigil in support and solidarity with Ukraine and Ukrainians in their time of dire need.

The work was originated by Philip M. Harris, Lecturer in Photography at the University of Derby, and will be performed with support from students studying Photography at the University.

The work used film footage of blossom that appeared at the start of the invasion of Ukraine, Thursday, 24th February, as a symbol of hope, resilience, and rebirth. Long lengths of cine film were threaded through the strings of electric guitars and bonded together to form a loop. Each guitar was tuned to one of the chords of the Ukrainian National Anthem. The result was 7 film projectors, 7 images of blossom, 7 guitars, 7 guitar amplifiers, simultaneously filling the vast Tramshed building in Derby City Centre with the acoustic tones of Ukraine’s national identity coupled with images of blossom as symbols of hope. The work was proceeded by members of the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain performing the Ukrainian National Anthem.