On Thursday, 22 October 2026, the White & Weiss Gallery opens The temple of Venus, an exhibition by Oksana Sadovenko. The Ukrainian artist, who lives and works in Bratislava, presents a new series of monumental paintings in which ancient mythology meets the contemporary ideas of rest, hope and the possibility of a better world. The exhibition is curated by Jana Písaříková.

Venus, winged cupids and dolphins populate Oksana Sadovenko’s paintings, inhabiting a world that lies between reality and fantasy. The artist draws on ancient and Renaissance motifs, mythological tales passed down in various forms over the centuries, and Roman wall paintings, including the celebrated frescoes from the Villa of Livia. She develops these historical models through free, expressive brushwork, bold colour and vibrant figurative compositions.

This new series transforms the gallery into an imaginary temple. Its ruler, Venus, the goddess of love, invites visitors to rest and find temporary respite from everyday reality. The carefree cupids riding on the backs of dolphins open up a space for playfulness and imagination.

Behind this light-heartedness, however, lies a question that speaks directly to the present day. In a time of uncertainty, crises and disasters, the exhibition asks whether we have lost the ability to believe in, and imagine, a better world. The temple of Venus offers visitors a chance to step briefly into a different reality and to reflect on the place hope possesses in our everyday lives.