Murals of Remembrance: A Brush with Loss in Kyiv
In the heart of Kyiv, among the hustle and bustle of life, there’s a poignant slice of artistry that transcends mere decoration. New murals dedicated to fallen Ukrainian soldiers are gracing the walls of homes, transforming the cityscape into a canvas of remembrance and resilience. But who’s behind these massive brushstrokes of tribute? And how do these vibrant portraits help the grieving families cope with their tragic losses? Well, grab your paintbrush and let’s dive in!
Meet Lyudmila Bordus – A Mother’s Heartfelt Tribute
Our story starts with Lyudmila Bordus, a woman whose fortitude could rival that of a superhero—minus the spandex and cape, of course! After losing her son, Maxim, to the war, she now gazes out her window each day to see his portrait on the wall. Maxim, born and raised in Kyiv, really kicked life into high gear; he was a kickboxing champion. Talk about a life packed with punches—just not the kind that get you a gold medal!
Lyudmila’s relationship with that mural is nothing short of heartwarming. “I feel him every day,” she says, waving to an imaginary friend like it’s a scene from an indie film. “I say hello to him in the morning, in the evening, always. I so want to hug him and never let him go!” If only the neighbors knew—the wall may just be the best ongoing conversation she has! Her expression truly encapsulates how art can connect us beyond life and loss.
The Legacy of Maxim Bordus
Maxim’s spirit isn’t just hanging on the wall; it lives on in the hearts of his loved ones. They admit that while the mural can sting like an unexpected kick to the shins, it also serves as a vital reminder of the sacrifices made for their homeland. It’s like a constant nudge—“Remember me? I did this for you!” Who knew a painting could pack such an emotional wallop?
According to Maxim’s grandmother, Tatyana, “I look at him when I sit on the bench, and it seems to me that he is looking at me back.” There’s something deeply moving about the thought of this grandmother chatting away with her grandson’s face in the wallpaper of their life, a poignant reminder of what was lost.
The Rise of Murals and Their Stories
Kyiv is becoming quite the exhibition hall with around 170 murals dedicated to the ongoing war, adorning different neighborhoods like badges of honor. Some murals symbolize an unyielding love for the motherland, while others serve as eternal tributes to soldiers who won’t be coming home. These artworks pop up in locales where victims once roamed, creating a community tapestry of loss and hope. Who needs a housewarming gift when you can have a mural that sends chills down your spine?
Meet the Artists Behind the Art
Enter Evgeny Gladenko, the artist rolling up his sleeves to paint memorials throughout Kyiv. Each brushstroke isn’t just a feather in his cap; it’s a deeply personal connection to the stories he’s immortalizing. “Each work is very personal for me,” he shares. “Each story of these people is the story of a hero, it is an example for the entire district or microdistrict.” His passion reflects the power of community and the resilience of the human spirit. And if you can use a paint roller, why not mobilize it for good, right?
But it’s not just about splatting paint on a wall willy-nilly. A special commission now oversees these murals to ensure that local residents are on board with the tributes. After all, no one wants a random portrait of your Uncle Bob overshadowing a beloved son’s memory. The bureaucratic ballet ensures that the purpose and relevance of the murals are respected, making them even more impactful.
Art Over Advertisements
Gladenko makes an astute observation; “I would rather see murals on houses in Kyiv than advertisements. It’s just a blank corner of the wall, there could be an advertisement for, for example, a high-speed internet provider.” Let’s face it, who really needs to be reminded of the latest binge-worthy series when instead, you could pass by an artistic masterpiece that sparks memories and conversations? His aim is clear: to inject a bit of beauty and solidarity into the daily lives of Kyiv’s residents—a refreshing breath of fresh air in a time of crisis.
So there you have it! In a city where every mural tells a story of bravery and sacrifice, art is not just paint on a wall; it’s a profound connection to humanity, a tribute that echoes through the hearts of families. Who knew that a wall could speak volumes? Next time you walk by a mural, take a moment. Look closer. Listen. There’s always more to the story!
In the heart of Kyiv, vibrant murals honoring the Ukrainian soldiers who lost their lives in the ongoing war are emerging on the walls of residential buildings. These poignant artworks not only pay tribute to the fallen but also serve as a comforting presence for the families grappling with profound loss. Each mural encapsulates a story — a narrative of bravery and sacrifice that resonates deeply among the community.
This is Lyudmila Bordus, a mother who bears the heavy heart of losing her son, Maxim, to the war. Every day, as she gazes out her window, a mural of her beloved son adorns the wall of her home in Kyiv, offering a bittersweet connection to his memory.
“I feel him every day; every time I pass by this place, I say hello to him in the morning and evening. I long to hug him and never let him go!” Lyudmila expresses, her voice filled with emotion.
Maxim Bordus was born in Kyiv, where he pursued a career as a cook and showcased his athletic prowess as a champion kickboxer. On the first day of the full-scale war, he made the courageous decision to voluntarily enlist. Tragically, less than a year and a half later, he lost his life in June 2023 while serving in the Zaporozhye region. His mother and grandmother continue to grieve his untimely death, acknowledging that while seeing Maxim’s portrait can be painful, these artworks are essential for remembering the sacrifices made by Ukraine’s defenders.
“I look at him when I sit on the bench, and it feels as if he is looking back at me,” reflects Tatyana Bordus, Maxim’s grandmother.
Currently, approximately 170 murals honoring the war and its heroes embellish the urban landscape of Kyiv. Each mural tells a story — some symbolize an unwavering love for the motherland, while others depict the faces of those who made the ultimate sacrifice. These drawings frequently emerge in neighborhoods where the victims once lived, creating an atmosphere of remembrance and reverence.
Evgeny Gladenko is one of the dedicated artists bringing these murals to life throughout the city. His work is infused with a personal touch, as each piece represents a unique story of heroism that serves as an inspiration to the surrounding community.
“Each work is very personal for me. The story of these individuals reflects the valor that embodies our district or microdistrict. I connect with this deeply, especially after losing a friend in the war,” Gladenko shares, revealing his deep commitment to the craft. “The commissions for these murals often come from the relatives, friends, and brothers in arms of the deceased.”
A special commission was established in June in Kyiv, tasked with approving mural designs and selecting appropriate locations for their display. This initiative ensures that local residents support these artworks, as officials consider the purpose, relevance, and artistic vision behind each mural.
Gladenko argues for the necessity of these murals over commercial advertising: “It’s just a blank corner of a wall that could easily exhibit an ad for a high-speed Internet provider or a political campaign. Instead, I aspire to inject a sense of beauty into our surroundings, reminding people that they inhabit an extraordinary country,” he explains. “I’m a part of this society, and I strive to contribute something beautiful and meaningful.”
**Interview: Murals of Remembrance — A Conversation with Lyudmila Bordus**
**Interviewer:** Welcome, Lyudmila. It’s an honor to speak with you today. Your connection to the mural of your son, Maxim, is deeply moving. Could you share what it means to you to have his portrait on the wall?
**Lyudmila Bordus:** Thank you for having me. To see Maxim’s portrait every day gives me a sense of closeness to him. I feel him around me; it’s as if he is still a part of my life. I greet him every morning and evening—it’s my way of keeping his spirit alive.
**Interviewer:** That’s beautiful. How do you feel the mural helps you cope with your loss?
**Lyudmila:** It’s like a physical representation of my love for him. While the pain of losing him is always there, this mural transforms my grief into a celebration of his life. It helps remind me of the joy he brought and the bravery he showed in defending our homeland.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that Maxim was a champion kickboxer and later enlisted in the military. What did he mean to you and your family?
**Lyudmila:** Maxim was the pride of our family. He had such a vibrant spirit, always full of energy and dreams. His decision to enlist was made with a sense of duty to our country. While we support him entirely, losing him has left a void that can never truly be filled.
**Interviewer:** You’re not alone in your grief; how have you seen other families react to the murals popping up around Kyiv?
**Lyudmila:** Many families are finding comfort in these murals. They’re a way to honor not only our loved ones but also the collective memory of all the fallen heroes. It unites us as a community, creating a space where we can come together to remember and support one another.
**Interviewer:** Speaking of community, the artist Evgeny Gladenko has been instrumental in bringing these murals to life. What are your thoughts on his work?
**Lyudmila:** Evgeny is incredibly talented. His artistry captures the essence of our loved ones and their stories. To have someone dedicated to preserving their memories through art is a precious gift. It offers us a sense of dignity in our mourning.
**Interviewer:** How do you think these murals impact the broader community in Kyiv?
**Lyudmila:** They serve as constant reminders of the sacrifices made for our freedom. People stopping to look at the murals may feel a sense of gratitude and connection to our soldiers. It’s art with a purpose—one that instills pride and recognition in our shared struggle.
**Interviewer:** if there’s one message you would like to convey through Maxim’s mural, what would that be?
**Lyudmila:** I want people to remember that behind every soldier, there’s a story; there’s love, dreams, and family. Just as I speak to Maxim every day, I hope others carry the memories of their heroes in their hearts. They aren’t just names or portraits; they are cherished lives that deserve to be remembered.
**Interviewer:** Thank you so much for sharing your heartfelt experiences, Lyudmila. Your strength and love for Maxim inspire us all.
**Lyudmila:** Thank you for giving voice to our stories. It’s important that we remember, not just for ourselves, but for future generations.
