On June 25, a new art installation titled “Awareness” was inaugurated in Kyiv, serving as a tribute to the defenders of the Territorial Defense Forces who have stood guard over Ukraine since the outset of the invasion.
This installation provides a space for reflection, allowing individuals to recall the emotions experienced in the early weeks of the invasion and recognize how fear transformed into determination.
What the “Awareness” Sculpture Represents
The sculpture is situated in the Obolon district, near the “Heroes of Dnipro” metro station.
This northern part of the city became a critical defense line for Kyiv in February 2022.
Here, Ukrainian defenders, including Territorial Defense brigades, halted the advance of Russian forces on the capital.
The artwork comprises two human faces.
One face is inverted, symbolizing fear and anxiety.
The other is calm and focused, conveying inner balance.
The sculpture symbolically illustrates the transformation that every Ukrainian has undergone since February 24, 2022 - from fear and confusion to strength, calm, and readiness to fight.
The first to embark on this journey were those who joined the Territorial Defense.
“I remember participating in the public discussion regarding this sculpture, debating its relevance and artistic value. We quickly reached a consensus. It reflects how united our community and defense forces are and how aware people are of the need to remember the contributions of our defenders,” said director and actor, and military serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Akhtem Seitablaev.
Details on the New “Awareness” Sculpture in Obolon
The creators of this work are Ukrainian sculptors, brothers Yegor and Nikita Zigura.
One of their well-known sculptures in Kyiv is the “Unity” composition along the Dnipro waterfront.
During the ongoing war, these artists have actively collaborated with volunteer artistic communities, addressing themes of resistance and inner strength. Notable projects include the “Peaceful Sky” exhibition in France.
The “Awareness” art installation was established as part of the “EYE FOR AN EYE” initiative - a joint project between the OKKO fuel network and the “Come Back Alive” foundation.
This project provides military personnel with modern equipment and weaponry. The concept for the sculpture emerged during the second wave of the campaign “EYE FOR AN EYE. Arm the Territorial Defense to the teeth.” The foundation supported the idea, and business financed its implementation.
“We aimed to immortalize the contributions to the defense of the country through art. This is a tribute to all those in the Territorial Defense who voluntarily stood guard over Ukraine in those early days and still do. It is also about honoring those who gave their lives for our freedom,” noted OKKO CEO Vasyl Dmytriv.
“I want to reiterate my gratitude to the Defense Forces of Ukraine, 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 hryvnias, followed by another worth 400 million, supplying the Territorial Defense Forces with weaponry. It was within the framework of this second project that the idea for the art installation 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.
