Near the Taras Shevchenko monument in Kyiv, a new sculpture has been unveiled — a five-meter tall yellow bust that mirrors one of the most realistic portraits of the poet, symbolizing him as the «sun of Ukraine».
Recently, in the heart of Kyiv, the installation «The World Through Shevchenko’s Eyes» was presented — a five-meter bust painted in bright yellow.
The sculpture replicates the form of a marble bust created in the late 19th century by the renowned sculptor Volodymyr Beklemishev based on photographs of the Kobzar himself. Its vibrant yellow color symbolizes the «sun of Ukraine», and the modern artistic concept was developed by Ukrainian artist Serhiy Zapadnia.
Inside the installation are interactive windows that allow visitors to «transport» themselves to Shevchenko monuments in Washington, Paris, Buenos Aires, Beijing, Canberra, and dozens of other cities worldwide. One of the lenses shows only darkness — a reminder of the war that forces monuments to be hidden in protective structures. However, it also represents the belief that light will surely prevail.
The initiators believe this is not just an art object, but a powerful symbol of unity — a connection between Ukrainians who find themselves far from their homeland and their native home. The installation «The World Through Shevchenko’s Eyes» allows a glimpse into 80 locations across 37 countries where monuments to the Kobzar are installed, seen through Shevchenko's own eyes.
The project was created by the public organization Ukraine WOW and Visa in partnership with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine. According to Minister Andrii Sybiga, 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 who have been forced to leave their homes due to war.
Visitors can not only gaze at 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, Yuliya Shilenko.
The installation will be on view in the park until August 15, after which it will become part of the larger Ukraine WOW exhibition opening on Independence Day.
