On June 25, the city of Kyiv unveiled a new art installation called 'Awareness', serving as a symbol of gratitude to the Territorial Defense Forces who have been defending Ukraine since the war began.

The concept of 'Awareness' is a reflective space where individuals can revisit the emotions of the early days of the invasion and recognize how fear transformed into resolve.

Symbolism of the New Art Installation 'Awareness'

The sculpture is located in the Obolon district of the capital, near the 'Heroes of Dnipro' metro station. This area became one of the key defensive points of Kyiv in February 2022.

Here, Ukrainian defenders, including Territorial Defense brigades, halted the advance of Russian forces towards the capital.

The artwork consists of two human faces. One is inverted, symbolizing fear and anxiety, while the other is calm and focused, conveying inner balance.

This sculpture symbolically reflects the changes experienced by every Ukrainian since February 24, 2022 - from fear and confusion to strength, calmness, and readiness to fight.

The first to take this journey were those who joined the ranks of the Territorial Defense.

“I remember how we participated in discussions about this art installation, debating its relevance, artistic value, and meanings. We quickly reached a consensus. This is further evidence of how united our community and Defense Forces are, and how aware people are who wish to remember the contributions of our defenders,” said director and serviceman of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, Akhtem Seitablayev.

New 'Awareness' Sculpture Unveiled in Obolon: What We Know

The creators of the work are Ukrainian sculptors, brothers Yegor and Nikita Zigura. One of their most famous sculptures in Kyiv is the 'Unity' composition on the Dnipro waterfront.

During the full-scale war, the artists have actively collaborated with volunteer art communities, addressing themes of resistance and inner strength. Their projects include the 'Peaceful Sky' exhibition in France (April 2023) and the 'Be Brave' sculpture in Pechersk.

The 'Awareness' art installation was created as part of the 'EYE FOR AN EYE' initiative - a joint project of the OKKO gas station network and the 'Come Back Alive' foundation, which provides military personnel with modern equipment and weaponry.

The idea to create a sculpture in gratitude to the Territorial Defense Forces arose during the second wave of the campaign - 'EYE FOR AN EYE. Equip the TDF to the teeth'. The foundation supported the idea, and business financed its realization.

“We aimed to immortalize the contribution to the defense of the country through art. This is a tribute to all members of the Territorial Defense Forces who voluntarily protect Ukraine from the first days until now. It is also a way to honor those who sacrificed their lives for our freedom,” remarked OKKO's CMO Vasyl Dmytriv.

“I want to express 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 military project worth 325 million hryvnias and later another one for 400 million, providing equipment to the Territorial Defense Forces. It was within the framework of this second project that the idea of 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.