Standing with Ukraine sculpture comes to Bournemouth
A commemorative sculpture of a Ukrainian soldier holding a baby while leading a mother and another child to safety has been installed in Bournemouth
The sculpture named ‘I want to live’ by voluntary community project group ‘Standing with Giants' marks the one-year anniversary of Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
The 12ft tall silhouette, which features the words ‘Bournemouth Standing with Ukraine’, demonstrates the town’s solidarity with the country and will be on show at the Triangle until the first week of the Easter holidays.
BCP Council facilitated the sculpture’s installation and Bournemouth Town Centre BID supported its arrival to the town.
Cllr Beverley Dunlop, Portfolio Holder for Tourism, Culture and Vibrant Places, said: “Contemporary art is provocative, and this installation really drives home the trauma faced by the Ukrainian people.
“Just a little over a year ago they were going to work, going to school and going about their business just as we do every day.
“Public art cannot always be fun, and this piece is a timely reminder of how hard their life has become. I encourage everyone to make time to see this dramatic artwork and continue to support our Ukrainian friends.”
'Standing With Giants' is a silhouette of a soldier holding a baby while leading a mother and another child to safety. Made from 15mm laser-cut steel, it will remain in position until Wednesday 5 April - the first week of the Easter holidays.
Bournemouth Town Centre BID Chief Operating Officer Paul Kinvig said: “This thought-provoking sculpture is another great way for the town to show solidarity with Ukraine.
“It forms an important part of our wider, ambitious cultural offering for Bournemouth and will be a great utilisation of the community space at the Triangle.”
QR codes around the sculpture will allow well-wishers to make donations to various charities in support of Ukrainians, including local charity Ukraine Relief.
Oxfordshire artist Dan Barton collaborated with Peter Naylor to produce the piece of art in just 12 days.
He said: “We’ve had some amazing feedback so far and it’s all for such a crucial cause. It's so important that we continue to donate the items so badly needed which are listed on Ukrainian Relief’s website.
“They've managed to create an amazing network of couriers to get the aid where it's needed. I hope people will find ways to support them.”