On September 26, 2026, a grand opening of a unique art object took place in Bila Tserkva—a four-meter Skovoroda Fountain crafted from a 20-ton block of Brazilian granite and bronze. The prototype for the large-scale sculptural composition was a drawing by the prominent Ukrainian philosopher Hryhorii Skovoroda. The gift to the local community was provided by the Denys Paramonov Charitable Foundation as part of the "Cultural_Code" initiative.
History of Creation and Engineering Features
The idea to immortalize the philosopher's legacy in this unusual format originated with patron Denys Paramonov back in 2021, timed for Skovoroda's 300th birth anniversary. However, due to the full-scale invasion, the timeline shifted. Designing under the leadership of Honored Sculptor of Ukraine Mykhailo Reva took two years, and the direct manufacturing of the monolith in Dnipro took about two more years. The central element of the composition is the 7.5-ton "grain of life," which is balanced on a single support point, requiring complex engineering calculations and continuous 30-hour stone cutting with a special diamond rope.
Symbolism and Meanings of the Composition
The philosophical undertone of the monument reveals Skovoroda's core ideas about the source from which grace is equally accessible to everyone, regardless of the size of their inner "vessel." According to theologian Oleksandr Filonenko, the four vessels of the fountain symbolize thinking, art, faith, and freedom. The appearance of such a symbol in Bila Tserkva during challenging times emphasizes the desire of Ukrainian cities to find new meanings, preserve their cultural code, and fill public spaces with positive emotions and life.
Official Opening and Community Plans
The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the Kyiv Regional Military Administration, city authorities, philanthropists, and scholars. Zhanna Osypenko, Deputy Head of the Kyiv RMA, and Volodymyr Vovkotrub, Acting Mayor of Bila Tserkva, praised the significance of the project, noting that the fountain in the renovated square of the "Pishchanyi" microdistrict will become a favorite gathering place for residents, children, and parents. The territory landscaping project was also supported by the Denys Paramonov Foundation, laying the foundation for further development of the city's cultural infrastructure.
