Zhanna Kadyrova. “Monument to the New Monument.” 2007–2009. Concrete, ceramic tile, metal. 70 × 200 × 60 (figure). 256 × 150 × 256 (pedestal)
Job description
“Monument to the new monument” — one of Zhanna Kadyrova’s first works in the public space, realized during the residency “Sharhorod Rafinad” in Vinnytsia region. The monument creates the illusion of a figure hidden by a ceremonial cloth made of white ceramic tiles. This gesture criticizes the monumentalization of historical figures, which is often manipulated by the authorities to determine whom society should remember. Kadyrova once again challenges the heroization of canonized individuals, but this time she does not shift her attention to lesser-known representatives of everyday professions (as in the case of “Plumber Tolya”), but completely leaves no possibility to identify the occupation, gender, or age of the hero.
This object offers a broader commentary on the contemporary politics of decommunization in Ukraine, which began with the restoration of independence in 1991 and significantly intensified during and after the Revolution of Dignity in 2013. Although the artist created the sculpture long before the start of the “Leninfall,” over time it only gains relevance. What should the process of working with public memory for future generations be? The main concern for the artist remains not the identification of those who will embody our history. What is important is the very possibility of formulating questions and grassroots participation of citizens in such decisions.
