In Kiev, a new artistic project titled "The Future Remembers" has been launched on the "Motherland Monument" (Batkivshchyna-Mat), commemorating the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's Independence. From August 22 to September 1, every evening the sculpture transforms into a large-scale audiovisual canvas where symbols of Ukrainian history and culture come to life. The project was initiated and technically executed by the company Expolight, with Nikolai Kabluka serving as the art director.
Seven Minutes of Light: Cycle Structure and Symbolism
Each projection cycle lasts about five minutes. During this time, images appear sequentially on the surface of the monument, forming a single narrative. "Roots" symbolize the connection to the land, history, and previous generations; "Spirals" speak of time as a living, cyclical process; "Water" becomes an image of cleansing from imposed ideas and false layers. "Wings" embody the freedom of choice and inner strength, "Stars" represent people and their dreams, and the "Constellation" signifies the interconnection of Ukrainians and the future they create together.
Cultural Diversity: From Cossack Embroidery to Scythian Ornaments
The authors combined elements of various cultures formed on Ukrainian lands in the installation: Cossack embroidery, Crimean Tatar ornaments, as well as symbols of ancient civilizations — Greeks, Scythians, and Slavs. Thus, the projection presents Ukraine as a space where various cultures, traditions, and civilizations have intertwined for centuries, rather than a monolithic narrative.
When and Where to See the Installation
Kiev residents and guests of the capital will be able to watch the show daily from August 22 to September 1 in the evening — from 21:00 to 23:00. Entry to the area around the monument is free; the projection runs on a fixed evening schedule, allowing viewers to fit the viewing into a walk along the Podil Embankment.
Ideological Concept: Memory as a Resource for the Future
The core thesis of the project is that the future does not arise from nothing, but is shaped by the choices people make today and their understanding of where they come from. According to Nikolai Kabluka, art director of Expolight, historical memory can be not only a way to look at the past, but also a source of strength for the future. The project is conceived as a dialogue between the past, present, and future — through light, symbols, and one of the most recognizable monuments in Ukraine.
