In a poignant reflection of resilience amid turmoil, Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadyrova’s striking origami-inspired concrete deer sculpture has embarked on a significant journey to the Venice Biennale. This moving artwork, which has evolved into a powerful symbol of hope for many Ukrainians, made a brief stop at UNESCO’s Paris headquarters before continuing on to its prominent role in this year’s art festival.
A Symbol of Transformation
On a sun-drenched day in Paris, Kadyrova’s sculpture stood out against the backdrop of budding plane trees in the 7th arrondissement. Its delicate, folded appearance belies the solid concrete it is made from, creating a powerful juxtaposition of weight and grace. Strapped to a flatbed truck, the deer’s presence at UNESCO’s headquarters marked the culmination of an extensive journey through Europe, bringing with it the weight of its history and the stories of those who have been displaced by war.
Originally commissioned in 2018 for a public park in Pokrovsk, Donetsk, Kadyrova’s sculpture aimed to provide a sense of beauty and peace to a city beset by conflict. It replaced a former military monument, symbolising a shift from symbols of violence to those of hope and community. “I wanted to create something that local people could cherish, something relatable and contemporary,” Kadyrova reflected during her time in Paris.
The Sculpture’s Evacuation
As the war intensified in Ukraine, Kadyrova’s beloved deer became more than just a piece of art; it transformed into a lifeline for memories tethered to a now-fractured community. By the summer of 2024, Pokrovsk was firmly on the frontline, and the fear of losing the deer prompted Kadyrova’s friend, Leonid Marushchak, to initiate its evacuation. “I saw the deer was still standing,” Marushchak recounted, indicating the urgency of preserving not only the sculpture but the spirit of a city that was rapidly disappearing.
With the city authorities prioritising the safety of citizens over the preservation of art, Marushchak devised a plan to secure the deer’s removal alongside a statue of Mykola Leontovych, a revered Ukrainian composer. The arduous task, which involved heavy machinery and careful coordination, ultimately succeeded on 30 August 2024. A film documenting this evacuation process will be showcased in Venice, capturing the emotional resonance of the moment as locals bid farewell to a piece of their identity.
From Park to Pavilion
In the wake of its evacuation, Kadyrova and Marushchak began to envision the deer’s role in the Ukraine Pavilion at the Venice Biennale, aptly titled “Security Guarantees”. This title serves as a stark commentary on the ongoing conflict and the elusive nature of safety for Ukrainians. The deer’s journey through major European cities—Warsaw, Prague, Vienna, Brussels, and Paris—has imbued it with new significance, as it stands as a testament to the resilience of those who have been forced to flee their homes.
The sculpture has become a gathering point for Ukrainian refugees, who now touch it and make a wish, forging a new tradition steeped in hope and nostalgia. Kateryna Khimei, an organiser of the accompanying public programme, noted, “It’s important to remember those who did not survive, alongside the cultural objects that also did not endure.” The deer has emerged as a powerful symbol of survival, evoking a sense of community and shared memory amid the chaos.
Artistic Tensions at the Biennale
As the Venice Biennale prepares to welcome Kadyrova’s sculpture, the inclusion of a Russian pavilion has ignited controversy and debate within the international art community. While the Ukrainian team hopes to present their exhibition as a narrative of shared struggle rather than a mere counterpoint to Russian art, the overshadowing presence of the Russian pavilion threatens to complicate their message.
Ivanna Kozachenko, another curator of the Ukrainian exhibition, expressed concerns about this dynamic, emphasising the importance of focusing on their own narrative rather than being defined by opposition. “We really hope that the Russian pavilion will not open,” she said, voicing the collective frustration over cultural heritage destruction wrought by Russian aggression.
Why it Matters
The journey of Kadyrova’s origami deer transcends the realm of art, encapsulating the emotional landscape of a nation grappling with loss, identity, and hope. As it arrives in Venice, the sculpture stands not only as a remarkable piece of artistic expression but also as a vital emblem of survival for those who have been severed from their homes and histories. It challenges us to confront the realities of war, the fragility of culture, and the unyielding human spirit that seeks beauty and connection even in the darkest of times.