Dr. Anita Joshi, Dr. Arun Jain, Patchwork Indy, the Ukrainian Society of Indiana, and the Afghan American Community Center invite you to an evening where art becomes a living testimony of resilience, history, and hope.

 Join Patchwork Indy for the reception of Resistance to Cruelty that Never Ends: An Afghan and Ukrainian Intercultural Art Exhibit—a profound exploration of cultural endurance and resistance through the eyes of two visionary artists.

Opening Reception

Friday, April 11
5:00 – 8:00 PM (Program begins at 6pm)
Indianapolis Art Center

At the heart of this exhibit are the works of Iryna Bondar, a Ukrainian multimedia artist, and Abdul Qahar Behzad, an Afghan oil painter. Through their distinctive styles, they invite us to witness the power of cultural identity and artistic defiance in the face of ongoing conflict.

Since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Iryna has embroidered the number of days that have passed—a ritual she will continue throughout the exhibition, turning time itself into a testament of resilience.

Qahar’s richly detailed oil paintings capture Afghanistan’s history, beauty, and struggles. Having taught art to U.S. soldiers with PTSD, his work bridges cultures and reveals an Afghanistan rarely seen.

This exhibition is more than an artistic showcase; it is a conversation about survival, identity, and the unyielding spirit of those who refuse to be erased.

Patchwork Indy is honored to host this event, aligning our mission of supporting immigrant and refugee families with the powerful stories told through these works. Just as these artists preserve their histories through art, Patchwork Indy works to preserve dignity, opportunity, and belonging for those building new lives in Indiana.

Join Patchwork Indy for an evening of thought-provoking art, meaningful dialogue, and community connection. Light refreshments will be served.

Patchwork Indy looks forward to sharing this unforgettable experience with you.