The Silent Monuments of Kyiv

These open-air exhibitions serve a dual purpose, acting both as memorials for the ongoing struggle and as physical proof of the community's endurance. Passersby stop to read placards detailing the origins of the vehicles, while others quietly tie fresh ribbons to the rusted metal. The atmosphere is reflective, turning everyday urban spaces into sites of collective remembrance.

As the city moves through the seasons, these temporary installations have integrated into the daily fabric of Kyiv. They provide a stark, undeniable reminder of the front lines, positioned directly against the backdrop of normal urban life. It is a powerful juxtaposition that captures the essence of a capital living between peace and defense.

The image depicts a sunny day in Kyiv, Ukraine, with a clear blue sky. In the foreground, a heavily rusted and damaged tank sits on a cobblestone plaza, adorned with graffiti and yellow and blue ribbons. Several other damaged vehicle parts, also rusted, are visible in the foreground and to the left. In the background, multiple classical-style buildings line a street. One building is a pale yellow with ornate white detailing and many windows. Another building to the left is pink and white with numerous windows and arched entrances. Above these buildings, a building with a mansard roof and dormer windows is visible, with a clock face on its facade. A monument featuring white statues of several figures, including one standing on a pedestal with inscribed text, is positioned behind the tank. Trees are interspersed between the buildings. Traffic, including cars and what appears to be a van, is visible on the street, suggesting the plaza is part of a public urban space. The overall scene conveys a sense of destruction and remembrance, with the damaged military hardware placed in a prominent urban setting.

The video shows a funeral or memorial service inside a church. In the foreground, a dark wooden coffin is visible, adorned with a large floral arrangement of yellow sunflowers, white roses, and red roses. The coffin is resting on wooden sawhorses. To the right of the coffin, several people in dark suits and ties stand with their heads bowed, appearing to be paying their respects. A man in a suit and tie is positioned closest to the coffin on the right. Behind him, other individuals are standing. To the left of the coffin, a man in a white shirt is standing near a video camera on a tripod. Further back, more people are visible, some in suits. The environment appears to be a grand church with high ceilings, decorative columns, and ornate lighting fixtures on the walls. A stained-glass window is visible in the background. The overall atmosphere is solemn and respectful.

A funeral is taking place inside a church. A casket, adorned with a large arrangement of sunflowers and red roses, sits in the foreground. Several men in suits are seated on a pew behind the casket, some looking towards the casket and others forward. A man in a dark suit and tie is seated on the right side of the pew, looking directly forward. To his left, a man in a navy suit and tie, with graying hair, is also seated and looking forward. The church interior features tall, white columns and ornate gold and green decorative elements, along with stained glass windows in the background.

A funeral service is taking place in a church. Several men in suits are standing in a row facing forward. In the foreground, a casket is visible, adorned with flowers. Another man, dressed in a white shirt and black pants, is standing near the casket, seemingly directing or officiating. The church interior features ornate architectural details, including columns and religious iconography. Lighting appears to be provided by wall sconces.

The video shows a funeral service in what appears to be a church. A dark wooden coffin is in the foreground, adorned with a large floral arrangement of white roses, yellow sunflowers, and red roses. Several people are standing near the coffin, some in suits, including a man with a beard and a man with glasses. A cameraman is filming the service. The environment is indoors, with high ceilings and decorative architectural elements, including columns and arched windows. The overall atmosphere is somber and respectful.