Oleksandr Burlaka, from the Maidan Nezalezhnosti series, Kyiv, Ukraine, 2013-2014
In November 2013, Ukrainians gathered in Kyiv at Maidan Nezalezhnosti (Independence Square) to defend their rights and future. Later, in various cities across the country, people organized protests, which were also called the Maidan by analogy. But the main Maidan was in Kyiv, on the main square of the country – with huge barricades and tent dwellings. Protesters used any suitable materials to build barricades. Kyiv Maidan became a symbol of national resistance, where people lived and fought for several months.
This artwork is located at Hafla Hafla, 73 Lark Lane, L17 8UP. Venue opening times: Monday – Friday 12 – 10pm; Saturday 12 – 10pm; Sunday 10 – 8pm.
Percy Fuller
Posted at 14:21h, 28 AprilWooden barricades built by citizens stand before great stone architecture as if to say, “I was who you were before it was too late”
Lane Shipsey
Posted at 12:03h, 13 MayThe story of the Maidan protests (and the deaths as the protests were broken up) is one I either missed at the time, or looked away from out of fear and entirely forgot.
Thanks to Open Eye Gallery and Open Eye Stories for picking this image which provides useful historical context and is also visually arresting.
We are getting so good at cultural & other kinds of amnesia. Well done to Oleksandr Burlaka.