In a workshop in Kyiv, a child looked down at a freshly painted petal and remarked, “That flower looks like a drone.” It is a chilling observation that encapsulates a childhood interrupted by the Russian invasion—a reality where nature and machinery of war have become indistinguishable in the minds of the young. This sentiment provides the title for a new exhibition by Danish artist Eske Touborg, opening at the Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall on May 20.
The exhibition is the culmination of a deeply personal project for Touborg, who felt compelled to act as the war in Ukraine intensified. Seeking a way to contribute beyond traditional aid, he partnered with the Danish organization KOLO Nordic and the charity “Save Ukraine.” The latter is a prominent NGO dedicated to the complex and often dangerous work of repatriating children who were forcibly removed to Russia or held in occupied territories.
A Canvas for Stolen Childhoods
The creative process began at the “Save Ukraine” headquarters in Kyiv. Touborg organized painting workshops for children and teenagers who had recently been liberated or returned from occupied zones. Rather than individual sketches, the participants worked on a single, large-format canvas. They were given spray paints and acrylics, encouraged to experiment, and offered a rare moment of creative freedom in a life otherwise defined by survival.
Observing the children, Touborg and accompanying art therapists noted a visible shift in their demeanor. “I was happy to see how the children, who perhaps came in a little shy at first, began to laugh and joke once we started pouring the paint,” Touborg recalls. “It touched me deeply.”
After the workshops, Touborg took the collective canvas back to his studio in Denmark. He divided the large work into fragments, which became the foundations for individual paintings. On top of the children’s vibrant, chaotic backgrounds, he layered faded, ghostly portraits and imagery reflecting the stark reality of the war. This layering serves as a metaphor for the children’s experiences: their innate desire to play and create is constantly overshadowed by the heavy, often blurred presence of conflict.
The Systematic Erasure of Identity
The exhibition does more than showcase art; it highlights a humanitarian crisis. The “faded” quality of the portraits in the paintings is an intentional reference to the systematic attempt to erase the identities of abducted Ukrainian children. In occupied territories, children are often given new names, forced to speak a different language, and subjected to a rewritten history designed to sever their ties to Ukraine.
However, the bright strokes of the children’s original work remain visible beneath Touborg’s additions, symbolizing resilience. Touborg noted that many children instinctively reached for blue and yellow paint first. “Even if they later painted over it, underneath it all are the Ukrainian flags,” the artist says. “It gives me goosebumps because it’s such a strong symbol. No matter what you put on top, you still have your home, you still have something worth fighting for.”
Art as a Tool for Recovery
Dr. Rūta Kačkutė, Director General of the National Museum of Lithuania, emphasized that the exhibition is a call to remain attentive to the ongoing trauma faced by Ukraine’s youngest generation. She notes that for these children, the world is being formed in a “distorted context” where safety is non-existent. The exhibition aims to show them that their experiences are seen and that they are not forgotten.
The project is strictly non-profit. Visitors to the Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall will have the opportunity to purchase the artworks, with all proceeds directed to “Save Ukraine.” These funds support the ongoing mission of returning children to their families and providing long-term psychological and social assistance to those affected by the war.
Visiting the Bastion: Practical Information
The exhibition “That Flower Looks Like a Drone” is hosted by the National Museum of Lithuania and supported by the Danish Cultural Institute in Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania. The venue itself—a 17th-century defensive fortification—provides a somber, historical backdrop for a discussion on the defense of childhood.
- Location: Bastion of the Vilnius Defensive Wall (Bokšto g. 20, Vilnius)
- Opening: May 20, 2026, at 18:00
- Duration: The exhibition will run until September 6, 2026
- Admission: Details regarding tickets and art purchases can be found via the National Museum of Lithuania website (lnm.lt).
Source: BNS
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