This month, one of Munich’s trendiest art galleries, Graf Rumford, hosts a new exhibition curated by the Ukrainian artist Iryna Fedorenko (SEMIRA). Titled “Different,” it is held within the framework of the TRACE International Festival of Contemporary Art, also curated by the artist. Opened on October 1, “Different” attracted much attention from the very first day, which urged the gallery to extend the exhibition for one more week. Interested viewers can now visit Graf Rumford to enjoy the art of Iryna Fedorenko and other talented artists until October 13, 2025.
“Different,” a New Exhibition at Graf Rumford
The central theme of “Different” is the fundamental difference in people’s worldviews, thoughts, cultures, and perceptions. For Iryna Fedorenko, these distinctions drive different views and forms of self-expression, thus determining the uniqueness of art from each culture, community, or individual. With this philosophy in mind, “Different” features works by artists coming from diverse backgrounds, with a special emphasis on Ukrainian talents. These include Iryna Fedorenko and her son Denys Fedorenko, Lubov Yarmilko, Gaby Wiegran, Natalya Bleh-Izmaylova, Nataliia Jordan, Iryna Bohdanova, Iryna Patalakha, Nataliia Kukharska, and Nataliya Revonyuk, among other artists.
The opening of the new exhibition at Graf Rumford coincided with Oktoberfest in Munich, so the event was held in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
TRACE’s Broader Programming
“Different” is part of the broader programming of the TRACE International Festival of Contemporary Art, an international project founded and curated by Iryna Fedorenko, which has already united over 100 creatives from different parts of the world. Initially, TRACE started as a local art exhibition, titled “INDEPENDENCE,” to celebrate the 30th anniversary of Ukraine’s independence. However, at present, it is a large-scale cultural initiative aimed at bringing emerging voices in the world of art to the spotlight of the art community’s attention. It fosters international dialogue and promotes contemporary art, giving young artists greater visibility in the European art scene.
The previous editions of the TRACE International Festival of Contemporary Art were held in France, Belgium (a special presentation in Brussels), and Germany. Festival’s best exhibitions were also showcased at the Munich-based galleries Galerini (“Renaissance”, 2023) and SchauRaum im Ackermannbogen (“Creating the Future”, 2024). Besides, selected artworks were presented to the Ukrainian Civil Society Hub and the EU Committee of the Regions during the European Women’s Association Summit.