The national reserve "Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra" has become the new place of storage of the famous graffiti of the world-famous British artist Banksy called "Woman in a gas mask". This decision was made not only to preserve the work, but also to give it additional symbolic meaning, emphasizing the spirit of freedom and protest.
According to representatives of the reserve, after liberation from Russian influence, the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra became a platform for cultural initiatives combining modern art and ancient history. Located in the open grounds, the graffiti will be accessible to visitors alongside relics and vintage exhibits. Representatives of the Lavra call Banksy's work a symbol of protest against the war and Russian crimes, an actual reminder of the difficulties that Ukraine has to overcome.
Along with Banksy's work, ancient Russian graffiti of the 11th century will be exhibited - a plinth with a drawing that caricatures one of the builders of the Assumption Cathedral. This ancient work, like Banksy's graffiti, conveys human protest and defiance. The reserve highlights the parallels between modern art and ancient drawings, reminding us that graffiti has always remained a way of expressing resistance.
