Larnaca, Cyprus. A bronze sculpture honouring 18th-century traveller Vasil Hryhorovich-Barsky was unveiled in Larnaca on Monday. The work was donated by the Obiimy Cyprus Cultural Centre and Sushko Philanthropy.
First international installation
Located at the Obiimy Cyprus Cultural Centre on Grigoris Afxentiou street, the sculpture marks the first time the “Shukai!” project has placed a sculpture outside Ukraine.
Historical and cultural connection
The sculpture celebrates the Kiev-born traveller, who documented Cyprus’ people and landscapes nearly 300 years ago. Organisers described the installation as a symbol of the enduring ties between Cyprus and Ukraine.
Organisers’ remarks
“Cyprus has become a second home for many Ukrainians,” said Anna Sushko, co-founder of Obiimy Cyprus and Sushko Philanthropy. “The community here is strong and welcoming, so we wanted to give back to the city that welcomed us.”
She said the connection between the two countries stretches back centuries. “Cyprus and Ukraine are closer than it seems. Three hundred years ago, a man from Kiev first described this island. Today, we continue that bond through culture,” she said.
About the project
The sculpture is part of the “Shukai!” project, which has shared Kiev’s story through small bronze artworks for nearly a decade. The project has installed 52 sculptures in various locations in the Ukrainian capital.
Ukrainian community in Cyprus
Organisers said choosing Cyprus for the project’s first international sculpture reflected both historical ties and the large Ukrainian community on the island. More than 30,000 Ukrainians now live in Cyprus, fostering connections that build on a long-standing relationship.