On June 25, a new art installation named “Awareness” was unveiled in Kyiv, symbolizing gratitude to the Territorial Defense Forces who have protected Ukraine since the early days of the full-scale invasion.
According to the authors, “Awareness” serves as a space for reflection, allowing individuals to recall the emotions of those first weeks of invasion and recognize how fear has transformed into determination.
New Art Object “Awareness”: Its Significance
The sculpture is located in the Obolon district near the “Heroes of Dnipro” metro station.
This area became a crucial defensive line for Kyiv in February 2022.
Here, Ukrainian defenders, particularly Territorial Defense brigades, held back the advance of Russian troops towards the capital.
The art piece consists of two human faces.
One is inverted, symbolizing fear and anxiety.
The other is calm and focused, conveying inner balance.
The sculpture metaphorically represents the changes experienced by every Ukrainian since February 24, 2022 - from fear and confusion to strength and readiness to fight.
The first to undergo this transformation were those who joined the territorial defense.
“I remember how we participated in public discussions about this art object, debating its purpose and artistic value. It quickly became clear how united the community and the defense forces are,” shared director and actor Akhtem Seitablaiev.
A New Sculpture “Awareness” Unveiled in Obolon: What You Should Know
The creators of the work are Ukrainian sculptors, brothers Yegor and Mykyta Zigura.
One of their most known sculptures in Kyiv is the composition “Unity” located along the Dnipro waterfront.
During the war, the artists have actively collaborated with volunteer art communities, addressing themes of resistance and inner strength. Notable projects include the exhibition “Peaceful Sky” in France.
The sculpture “Awareness” was established as part of the initiative “EYE FOR AN EYE” - a joint project of the OKKO gas station network and the “Come Back Alive” foundation.
This project provides military personnel with modern equipment. The idea for the sculpture arose during the second wave of the campaign “EYE FOR AN EYE. Arm the Territorial Defense to the Teeth.” The foundation supported the concept, and businesses financed its implementation.
“We aimed to immortalize the contribution to the defense of the country through art. This is a thank you to all the members of the Territorial Defense who voluntarily stood to protect Ukraine from the very beginning. It is also a tribute to those who gave their lives for our freedom,” noted OKKO's CMO Vasyl Dmytriv.
“I want to express our gratitude to the Ukrainian Defense Forces who continue to achieve the impossible. For many years, OKKO has been our strategic partner. In March 2022, we implemented a project for the military worth 325 million UAH, and later another for 400 million, providing weapons to the Territorial Defense Forces. It was within this second project that the idea for the art object was born. Together, we are creating a memory of those who continue to defend our state,” emphasized Oleg Karpenko, deputy director of the “Come Back Alive” foundation.
