Monument: Children Launching Paper Boats

Prototypes of the Legendary Founding Brothers of Kyiv – Kyi, Shchek, and Khoryv

History

Location: Kyiv

Poshtova Square

The centerpiece of this composition features three young boys who symbolize the legendary founding brothers of Kyiv – Kyi, Shchek, and Khoryv. The children are depicted playing with paper boats on a stylized map of Kyiv. A few meters away, a bronze bench holds a seated young girl, representing their sister Lybid.

Volodymyr Zhurovel shares the story of creating this sculpture, highlighting its deeply personal origins. The idea emerged when his father, the renowned artist Mykola Zhurovel, asked him to sculpt a figure of his one-and-a-half-year-old brother Mykhailo:
"My father suggested that the sculpture of my brother could serve as my second diploma project. I created several versions of the figure, which sparked the idea to develop a group composition featuring children. I discussed this plan with my father, and we decided to portray the legendary founders of Kyiv as young children. We envisioned them launching paper boats on a map of the capital."

The concept embodies three layers of interpretation:

1. Playful: Children simply enjoying themselves, launching paper boats.
2. Historical: The child figures symbolize the legendary founding brothers of Kyiv – Kyi, Shchek, Khoryv – and their sister Lybid.
3. Spiritual: A sacred image of cosmic children.

The monument was created with the support of Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko, with patronage from philanthropist Tetiana Balyasna.

Authors: artist-sculptor-Vladimir Zhuravel, architect-Oleg Selivanov, graphic designer-Stanislav Topolsky

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