Taras Shevchenko is a symbol of Ukraine, his work is a source of national and political consciousness. At a time when it was forbidden to honor the memory of a prominent cultural figure, the first monument to Shevchenko on the territory of Ukraine was erected in Kharkiv.
The installation of the monument became possible thanks to the Alchevsky family. A marble bust was erected near their house, to give the Shevchenko kindergarten with the monument to the city.
The monument has been preserved to this day, although it stayed at the place of installation for no more than a year. But the very fact of the existence of such a monument in a big city, when it was impossible to officially approve such a project, commands respect.
The Alchevsky family kept it in their home for more than three decades. Later, it was given to the community, where it became an exhibit in the Kharkiv Art Gallery, and survived the occupation during World War II. After the war, together with the gallery, he moved to Kyiv. Where it is kept to this day in the Taras Shevchenko National Museum.
The first monument to Shevchenko online
This year, to the 210th anniversary of the birth of the poet and artist, the monument received a new life – in the digital space.
To begin with, we made a 3D model of Shevchenko’s bust. But this was only the first step. The digital model became an important part of the new project. The online exhibition included all selected materials about the exhibit, the history of its creation and existence. And besides the photo, access to the 3D model. Now everyone can see the first Shevchenko monument from all sides. The exhibition is not limited in time, it can be viewed anywhere, appreciated as a more than a century-old monument and learn everything about it.
The online exhibition dedicated to the first monument to Taras Shevchenko in Ukraine was created by us in cooperation with the National Museum of Taras Shevchenko and the Consulting Group “Rubanenko and Partners.
The project was presented in Kharkiv for the 370th anniversary of the hero city and the Independence Day of Ukraine. After all, it was installed in Kharkiv for the first time. The event took place in Kharkiv Media HAB during the opening of the documentary and art exhibition “Kharkiv-Fortress” from the “Great Countrymen” project. The marble bust of Taras Shevchenko is a unique monument that rightfully belongs to Kharkiv residents and is now available wherever they are.
