Street art commemorating first Euromaidan victim revealed in Kyiv – Ukraine Today

Serhiy Nigoyan was the first protester shot dead during clashes with the Berkut riot police in January 2014

A street art mural bas-relief depicting the first activist killed during Ukraine’s Euromaidan revolution last year has been opened in Kyiv.

The ceremony was organized by the Portuguese embassy and the NGO charged with maintaining the square, which is named after all the activists who lost their lives during the uprising – the so-called heavenly hundred.

Read also Euromaidan protesters depicted on the walls of a Ukrainian Greek Catholic church as saints

The President of Ukraine attended the ceremony and answered some questions from Ukraine Today. 

Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine: “I think this is very symbolic. This is the first person, who gave his life for the future of Ukraine on the Maidan. 30.51 demonstrating that we are decisive to build up the new society.” 

During his speech the Ukrainian leader honoured Sergiy Nigoyan and thanked his father, who was in attendance, for his son’s sacrifice. After the ceremony Poroshenko spoke about the sacrifice of all Ukrainians.

Petro Poroshenko, President of Ukraine: “Despite the war, despite the Russian aggression, despite the annexation of Crimea, despite the very severe economic crisis, we keep our spirit, we keep our soul open.”

The author of the portrait is the Portuguese artist Alexandre Farto. He completed his work in two days and did it free of charge:

Alexandre Farto (aka Vhils), Portuguese muralist: “I hope that my work, my little work that I did 25.45 can give a bit of comfort to the family of Sergey and to all the people that lost their loved ones in the name of the cause.”

The project was organized by an NGO called Misto-Sad, which brought this square back to life after it had been abandoned and turned into a dumping ground. Then they came up with the idea of inviting the Portuguese muralist to create something in the space.

H.E. Serpa De Almeida, Ambassador of Portugal to Ukraine: “I had an NGO “Misto-Sad” that came to see me saying ‘Wow, we would like so much to have Wilts here’. And I said ‘that’s an excellent idea! Let’s do it!”

The artist signed and gave Sergiy’s father a photograph of the mural depicting his son on it; and to the entire city – this work of art.

Alessandro and myself we are dedicating it to the Ukrainian People. Those that want changes, those that want something to be better. It’s a small touch, but it’s a good touch. 

Read also Ukrainians pay tribute to those who lost their lives in the Euromaidan protests

With small touches like this Ukraine and Ukrainians are paying their tribute to those, who sacrificed their lives because they wanted changes. It is important that their legacy is not forgotten and that others continue fighting for these changes to happen.

This is Volodymyr Solohub and Andriy Trymbach reporting from Kyiv for Ukraine Today.

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