New Murals in Konotop as Part of the ‘Wall of Resistance’ Initiative — Artistic Protest Against Russian Aggression in Ukraine
The city of Konotop has once again come alive with striking murals that form part of the large-scale project ‘Walls of Resistance.’ This initiative aims to support Ukraine’s fight for independence and strengthen community identity through public art.
Recently, two new murals appeared in the city center, carrying not only aesthetic appeal but also profound symbolic messages.
They serve as visual reminders of Konotop’s historical role in Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty and territorial integrity, as well as embody the resilient spirit of the Ukrainian people.
The Central National Resistance Center, in collaboration with the Resistance Movement of the Special Operations Forces of the Ukrainian Armed Forces and local authorities, oversees this initiative.
One of the murals commemorates the legendary Konotop witch, a figure symbolizing resistance against invaders.
The artwork also features a wolf—symbol of the Special Forces—and a crow, representing underground resistance movements.
Bright poppies incorporated into the design denote remembrance of those who fell during the ongoing war.
The concept for the mural was developed by Andriy Yermolenko, a renowned artist and recipient of the Shevchenko Prize, who noted that the work took four days to complete and was painted on the city hall building, making it an integral part of the urban landscape.
Near the mural, a poetic line from Ludmila Gorova’s poem ‘Vraze’ has been placed, paying homage to the resilience of Ukrainian patriots.
The poetess delivered a video greeting during the opening, expressing gratitude to Ukrainian partisans and defenders fighting daily to protect the homeland.
Additionally, another mural dedicated to the eminent Ukrainian avant-garde artist Kazimir Malevich has appeared in Konotop.
This city is significant because it is where Malevich created and sold his first masterpiece, ‘Moonlit Night.’ Earlier, similar murals had been painted in Sumy, including a tribute to Taras Shevchenko—whose monument, built in 1926 by Ivan Kavaleridze, was destroyed during Soviet times.
Artist Andriy Yermolenko explained that in the mural, Shevchenko is depicted as Prometheus, fighting against the ‘Muscovite monster’ that has long thrived on Ukrainian blood, symbolizing ongoing cultural and national resistance.
These artistic expressions stand as powerful symbols of Ukraine’s resilience and the enduring fight to preserve its cultural identity amidst ongoing conflict.