EMPTY PEDESTALS

The sculptures depict the pedestals from the so-called “monuments with tanks” which are established around Ukraine during the Soviet times to commemorate the victory in the Second World War. The objects are made in the form of piggy banks and used for their intended purpose. The artist has selected as references for the objects the monuments from the cities with the status Heroic City of Ukraine — the title was established on 6 March 2022 by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, on the model of the Heroic City of the Soviet Union as an expression of appreciation for the endurance and heroism shown during the invasion.

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Sculptures will be and already presented in several art institutions, where visitors are invited to make donations for the needs of Ukrainian art. The call to donate is shaped by the hosting institution — it creates the design and message on the sign. With this gesture, the artist explores how art institutions respond to crises through language. It continues the general leitmotif of the work with the question of what art is today and how it can respond to the challenges of war.

All the funds collected during the presentations will remain inside the objects forever. However, all the proceeds from selling or auctioning the objects will be distributed between organizations helping Ukrainian Armed Forces.