A New Symbol of Unity in Kyiv: Shevchenko Bust
In Kyiv, near the monument to Taras Shevchenko, a new sculpture has been unveiled — a five-meter tall bright yellow bust that replicates one of the most realistic portraits of the poet, emphasizing his status as the «sun of Ukraine».
Recently, in Shevchenko Park, the installation «The World Through Shevchenko's Eyes» was presented — a bust made in vivid colors.
This sculpture replicates a marble bust created by the renowned sculptor Volodymyr Beklemishev in the 19th century based on photographs of the Kobzar himself. Its bright color symbolizes the «sun of Ukraine», and the modern artistic concept was developed by Ukrainian artist Serhiy Zapadnia.
Inside the installation, there are interactive windows through which visitors can «transport themselves» to Shevchenko monuments in cities like Washington, Paris, Buenos Aires, Beijing, Canberra, and many others. One of the lenses shows only darkness — a reminder of the war that forces monuments to be hidden within protective structures, but it also symbolizes hope that light will eventually prevail.
The project's initiators believe that this is not just an art object, but a powerful symbol of unity connecting Ukrainians who find themselves far from their homeland with their native home. The installation «The World Through Shevchenko's Eyes» allows visitors to explore 80 locations in 37 countries where monuments to the Kobzar are located and see them through his eyes.
The project is created by the public organization Ukraine WOW and Visa in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. According to Minister Andrii Sybiha, Taras Shevchenko is not only a cultural phenomenon but also a record-holder for the number of monuments worldwide: over 1100 across four continents. His image serves as a guiding star for millions of Ukrainians forced to leave their homes due to war.
Visitors can not only see the world through Shevchenko's eyes but also hear his poetry performed by Bohdan Stupka, and take an interactive quiz about the poet's life, created in collaboration with the chief curator of the National Museum of Taras Shevchenko, Yulia Shilenko.
The installation will be available for viewing in the park until August 15, and later it will become part of the grand exhibition Ukraine WOW, which will open on Independence Day.
