The Marian Icons on Ammo Boxes series is created by Ukrainian artists and dedicated to children who have been abducted and held in captivity by the Russian state. Drawing from the Christian iconographic tradition, the images depicting the Virgin Mary and her Child have been painted on ammunition boxes sourced from the front lines in Ukraine.

Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has resulted in immense loss of life, widespread destruction, and deep sorrow. Among the most vulnerable to its consequences are mothers and children. The image of the Mother of God with her Child perfectly encapsulates the symbolic battle between good and evil, love and hatred, life and death. Motherhood, a vital and foundational concept in society, transforms into an anti-war statement, becoming the antithesis of conflict and a symbol of hope. When depicted on an ammunition box, the image of the Mother and Child brings this hope to life, transforming what once symbolized death into the representation of life par excellence.

The exhibition also addresses the urgent issue of bringing kidnapped Ukrainian children home, as tens of thousands of young Ukrainian citizens remain held hostage. Now, more than ever, we need the collective efforts of all humanity—people with compassionate hearts—to help free these little hostages from Russian control. We must hold onto hope that Ukrainian children will one day return to their homeland.

Icons on Ammo Boxes is a project by Kyiv-based artists Sonya Atlantova, Oleksandr Klymenko and Herman Klymenko. Since spring 2015, the project has supported numerous charitable medical initiatives and projects aimed at assisting the Ukrainian military and civilians affected by Russian aggression. The exhibition has been on display in several prominent venues, such as the European Parliament, the Office of the President of Ukraine, and the Parliament of Finland. Icons on Ammo Boxes has visited 24 countries, 126 cities, and 232 locations so far.

Its next venue will be the parish hall of Lauttasaari Church, opening on 15 February. The exhibition will be open from 15 to 27 February 2026: Monday to Thursday from 10:00 to 18:00, Fridays from 10:00 to 16:00, and on Sundays during and after the communion service from 10:45 to 12:30.

Exhibition opening on Sunday 15 February at 13:00–14:00 in the parish hall of Lauttasaari Church.

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‍Lauttasaari Church is located at Myllykallionrinne 1.

The church lies within walking distance (450 meters) from the Lauttasaari metro station. Bus number 22 stops by the church at the "Lauttasaaren kirkko" bus stop.

T‍here is a Helsinki City parking lot near the church (100 meters), that allows parking for 4 hours at a time. Please remember to use a parking disc.

The church is accessible through the main entrance. Taxis and service vehicles may drive up to the main entrance.