A solo exhibit “LATE” by Ukrainian artist Mariia Proshkovska is a continuation of the long-term “Presence” project aimed at visualizing the values stereotypically imposed by society on all types of social groups. This research art-project explores gender issues with an emphasis on aspects and concerns related to women’s lives in modern society. 

The title of the exhibit connects us to the main art-object — old doors with built-in LED-lighting word “L A T E”. Firstly, this art-object visualizes the German term “Torschlusspanik” which does not have a precise translation into English but can be literally translated to “fear of the closing gates.” This term originated in the medieval time period, when citizens lived in fear of being locked outside of their town. After sunset, the area safety gate would close, without any regard to who was left outside. Being left outside meant that you needed to avoid encountering people living outside of the city, because they could be a potential threat to you; you felt afraid of the various mythical dangers that were imposed by religious values, and were caused by a low level of education and low general knowledge about the world around you. 

Although we don’t live by gates anymore, the term is still used to describe the fear of losing opportunities. Most often this term is used in the context women's fear of losing their chance to marry or have a child (the ticking of their “biological clock”). Every time visitors pass by or try to come closer to this art-object the word “late” on the door will light up. This interactive process will allow visitors to visualize the feeling of always being late, no matter how hard you try. The objective is for guests to have the opportunity to analyze and understand themselves as well as accept that there is no need to do everything that society expects you to do. 

Mariia Proshkovska’s artwork shared personal stories collected from around Ukraine and other countries, visualized the stereotypes formed by societal pressure, and raised relevant questions for today’s conversation on gender issues. Moreover, her exhibit created a friendly and open-minded platform to question and reflect on a variety of different topics: how our inner perception correlates with society’s; how to overcome psychological gender boundaries; how to get rid of the “biological clock” fear; explore if there is any difference in views based on a region or age, etc... The author requires us to slow down, analyze, and reconsider our automatic behavior patterns, personal decision-making process, and conduct a profound analysis of how the gender aspect of human nature has changed over time. This project was supplemented with the result of sociological research. 

Through this exhibit, America House joined UN Women Ukraine’s HeForShe Arts Week 2019, an international arts initiative celebrated globally and annually each March 8-15. Launched at the UN in 2014, HeForShe is a global movement that aims to engage men and boys, one half of humanity, to stand in solidarity with the other half so that each one of us can achieve our full potential.