On the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the Museum of Kyiv History presents the exhibition project “Archetype of the Ukrainian Hero”, aimed at revealing the image of the modern Ukrainian soldier and thereby paying tribute to all defenders protecting our country.

Who is the Ukrainian hero? A rebel, a leader, or an anarchist? How old is he? What is his education? What are his dreams and life goals? What values and ideals guide him? What unites all our heroes?

The exhibition presents several archetypes of the Ukrainian hero through various forms of art, including painting, graphics, and sculpture. Vladyslav Shereshevskyi, Yurii Shapoval, Anna Kryvolap, Yurii Solomko, Anton Lohov – prominent Ukrainian artists whose works form the core of the exhibition – reveal the image of modern warriors of light. Each archetype can be viewed individually or traced as a complete path of a soldier’s development: from the voluntary calling to defend one’s country to gaining glory and recognition among comrades and civilians.

“From the times of Kyivan Rus, the Cossack era, the national liberation struggles of the early 20th century, World War II, the dissident movement, and up to today’s fight – there have always been those who did not stand aside in times of peril and chose the path of the defender. This project is about them – warriors of light, the glorious sons and daughters of Ukraine, fighters for truth, honor, and freedom: people whose examples of dignity, courage, and self-sacrifice will inspire the hearts of future generations. We are convinced that, in the conditions of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, it is our mission as a museum institution to showcase the heroes of our present in our exhibitions – to preserve the memory of those who fell for our freedom and honor those who continue this struggle,” emphasizes Diana Popova, Director General of the Museum of Kyiv History.

The exhibition features a unique collection of military patches, curated under the collective title **“Defender’s Code.”** Each patch contains symbols that not only identify a specific unit but also allow for exploration of Ukraine’s centuries-old history, culture, and spiritual heritage.

A special place in the exhibition is occupied by a series of works by artist and soldier Serhiy Pushchenko, who, since 2015, painted portraits of Ukrainian defenders – his fellow volunteer comrades. Forty pairs of eyes of real heroes will tell visitors their stories – of pain, hope, fear, anger, and fatigue. On March 2, 2022, Serhiy Pushchenko died in the battles for Vasylkiv in the Kyiv region.

The project “Archetype of the Ukrainian Hero” aims to honor people who have become symbols of resistance, whose courage and self-sacrifice continue to remind the world that the Ukrainian people are fighting not only for their land but also for the values of freedom and democracy. Russia’s armed aggression against Ukraine has shown that Ukrainian heroism is a resilient and consistent phenomenon, formed over centuries of struggle, and continues to inspire new generations to acts of valor.

Exhibits for the exhibition were provided by: Abramovych Art Agency, Charitable Organization Front ART, Military-Historical Museum 58 Officers’ House in Lviv, Vladyslav Shereshevskyi, Hanna Kryvolap, Ivan Voloshyn, Maksym Konobas, Anton Lohov, Serhiy Polyakov, Oleksandr Tereshchenko, Olena Liberty, Yevhen Prymachenko, Volodymyr Padun, Yuriy Shapoval, Tetiana Cherevan, Artur Kushnaryov, Yuriy Solomko, SEMIRA (Iryna Fedorenko).

Curatorial team: Mariya Bordakova, Mykola Petrychenko
Artistic design of the exhibition: Kateryna Kostenko
Special thanks for assistance with the project to Varvara Sukhenko and Yevheniia Lichakova