Visit Ukraine - Where to look for mysterious red sculptures in Kyiv and what do they mean?

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05 Sep. 2024

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Where to look for mysterious red sculptures in Kyiv and what do they mean?

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Table of contents

• Girl with a heart and a teddy bear - Universytet metro station
• Girl on a swing - Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes
• Girl with sunflowers - Shevchenko Boulevard
• Child and Trident - Main Post Office, Khreshchatyk
• Dove - Independence Square
jamescolomina/Instagram
In addition to sculptures, a field for playing classics
Who is James Kolomina?

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Where to look for mysterious red sculptures in Kyiv and what do they mean?

Five red sculptures have appeared on the streets of Kyiv. These art objects were installed on the occasion of Ukraine's Independence Day and have not only artistic but also deep social and political significance. We'll tell you where to find them and what the meaning of each of them is

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At the end of August 2024, five mysterious red sculptures created by French artist James Kolomina appeared in the center of Kyiv. His works are dedicated to the 33rd anniversary of Ukraine's Independence Day and carry a deep symbolic meaning, emphasizing the pain and struggle of the Ukrainian people during the war.

Let's take a look at where to find them and what meaning is embedded in each of them.

• Girl with a heart and a teddy bear - Universytet metro station

This sculpture depicts a small child holding a heart in front of her face, with a teddy bear sitting next to her. It symbolizes the innocence and vulnerability of children who suffer during war.

Located at the Universytet metro station, this work reminds us of the tragic consequences of conflicts for the smallest and most vulnerable members of society.

jamescolomina/Instagram

• Girl on a swing - Alley of the Heavenly Hundred Heroes

This installation is located under the bridge over the Heavenly Hundred Heroes Alley. The sculpture depicts a little girl in a combat helmet riding a swing.

It emphasizes the contrast between childhood, which should be carefree, and the harsh reality of war.

UNIAN (Oleksandr Synytsia)

• Girl with sunflowers - Shevchenko Boulevard

The sculpture appeared on the pedestal where the monument to Mykola Shchors used to stand. A little girl holding sunflowers symbolizes renewal and hope for Ukraine.

The sunflower is a traditional Ukrainian symbol that is often used to represent peace, life, and a bright future.

jamescolomina/Instagram

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• Child and Trident - Main Post Office, Khreshchatyk

This work depicts a child emerging from the wall of the Main Post Office building on Khreshchatyk Street to draw a Ukrainian trident.

It symbolizes a new generation that is actively involved in the revival and strengthening of national identity, despite all the challenges.

jamescolomina/Instagram

• Dove - Independence Square

A sculpture of a dove with an olive branch in its beak is installed on a lamppost near Maidan Nezalezhnosti. This work embodies the aspirations of Ukrainians for peace and freedom, reminding us of the losses the country suffered during the war.

The sculpture is placed next to flags flying in honor of fallen soldiers, emphasizing the importance of the common goal of achieving peace.

jamescolomina/Instagram

In addition to sculptures, a field for playing classics

James Kolomina also created another art object in Kyiv that is not related to sculpture. In Taras Shevchenko Park, the artist painted a rocket-shaped board game field with red paint. This work symbolizes the absurdity of war, where real combat operations and children's games intersect in a tragic context.

jamescolomina/Instagram

Who is James Kolomina?

James Colomina is a street artist from Toulouse, France, who is often compared to Banksy for his socially engaged work. He specializes in sculptures that often expose societal issues ranging from climate change to war.

The symbolic message of Kolomina's works

In his works, the artist uses the color red to emphasize the tragic consequences of war and at the same time emphasize the strength and indomitable Ukrainian spirit. All of his sculptures have a common motif: childhood, which is influenced by adult decisions and suffers from the injustice of war.

The artist emphasizes that his installations are aimed at supporting the Ukrainian people in this difficult time.

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asked questions

Who is James Colomina?

He is a street artist from Toulouse, France. He has been called a humanist street artist or ‘Banksy in sculpture’ because his works often comment on society, politicians or social issues, from climate change to the threat of nuclear war.

What is the largest statue in Kyiv?

What mysterious artworks are there in Kyiv?

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