Ukraine Pavilion to Present at Venice Biennale in Prague

The event in Prague will highlight the Ukrainian Pavilion's national exhibition at the Venice Biennale, featuring Kadirova's 'Origami-Deer,' which has been moved from the frontline town of Pokrovsk. The sculpture was originally installed on the site of a decommissioned Soviet aircraft that was capable of carrying nuclear weapons, making it a poignant symbol of Ukraine's security concerns.

As reported by the Ukrainian Embassy in the Czech Republic, the exhibition is part of a broader narrative on Ukraine's security guarantees, addressing issues related to nuclear disarmament and the fulfillment of international obligations. The sculpture, created in 2019, represents the struggle and resilience of Ukrainian culture amidst ongoing conflict.

In August 2024, the artist and her team evacuated the sculpture due to the advancing frontline, ensuring its preservation and the continuation of its message. The exhibition will take place from 10 AM to 10 PM at Jan Palach Square, in front of the Rudolfinum, a renowned cultural venue in Prague.

The film documents the process of saving the sculpture and will be followed by a discussion with Kadirova and curator Leonid Marushchak. The project is realized with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Culture of Ukraine, along with UNESCO and several partners.

All events are free to attend, fostering wider community engagement with Ukrainian art and culture. Additionally, Pavel Grod, the President of the World Congress of Ukrainians, has expressed support for an open letter urging the international community to prevent Russia from participating in the Venice Biennale, further emphasizing the political context of the event.