A unique sculpture titled «Origami Deer» was unveiled in Kyiv, which will be the centerpiece of the Ukrainian pavilion at the upcoming Venice Biennale in 2026.
This artwork, created by Zhanna Kadyrova, was recently showcased at the cultural space «Kudryavka». It was evacuated from Pokrovsk in 2024 and is now embarking on an art tour across Ukrainian cities prior to its international premiere in Venice.
During the event, the sculpture was displayed outdoors, using a truck as a temporary stage.
«This project is not just a sculpture; it's a metaphor for culture forced to flee. As people leave their homes, so does the „Origami Deer“ embark on its journey. It may seem absurd for a sculpture to travel, but this is how it „lives“ today. I want to show that in Ukraine, despite the war, life continues. We keep creating, celebrating, and sharing. This project proves that art never stops,» emphasized Zhanna Kadyrova during the presentation.
The artist recalled how she created the sculpture back in 2019 for Pokrovsk. After the full-scale invasion began, it was evacuated from the frontline area, and now it is setting out on a new journey from Ukrainian cities to Venice.
Kadyrova also expressed hope that this sculpture, which belongs to the community of Pokrovsk, would be able to return home after the war ends.
During the event, attendees had the opportunity to talk with the artist, watch the documentary film «IDPs» about the sculpture's evacuation, and participate in the filming of its continuation.
The musical program was provided by residents of the ABO, BRUKXT, and KUTT locations.
Before the international premiere, the «Deer» will be shown in several cities in Ukraine, including Kyiv, Yasinya, Ivano-Frankivsk, and Lviv.
It is worth noting that the Venice Biennale — one of the most prestigious contemporary art exhibitions — will take place from May 9 to November 22, 2026.
The Ukrainian pavilion at the 61st Venice Biennale will present the project «Guarantees of Security», a solo exhibition by Zhanna Kadyrova. The exhibition addresses the issue of unfulfilled international promises made to Ukraine in exchange for its renunciation of nuclear arsenals, raising questions about the price of security and trust in a global context.
The centerpiece of the exhibition will be the «Origami Deer» sculpture, evacuated from frontline Pokrovsk in 2024. The exhibition will also include archival documents related to the Budapest Memorandum and the film «IDPs», which explores the experiences of internally displaced persons.