A POWERFUL sculpture marking the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has come to Southampton.
‘I Want to Live’ is a 13-foot-tall sculpture that stands in Guildhall Square and shows the silhouette of a Ukrainian soldier holding a baby while leading a mother and child to safety.
The artwork also features Ukraine's blue and yellow flag and the words ‘Southampton standing with Ukraine’ to demonstrate the city’s solidarity and hope for peace.
Founder of the community project, Dan Barton, worked with artist Peter Naylor to create this piece as he feels imagery plays a huge part in the war.
QR codes that surround the sculpture allow those who wish to donate to various charities that are supporting Ukrainians.
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A spokesperson for the Southampton Ukrainian Community Group said: "It's a big honour for me to visit such a kind of exhibition, which is related to my nation and country.
"It is very important that thanks to these artworks, people are sharing their care and solidarity with Ukraine."
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The project has been facilitated by Southampton City Council and funded by GO! Southampton.
The Lord Mayor of Southampton, Cllr Jacqui Rayment, said: "This sculpture made me feel incredibly emotional. The thought-provoking design stands as a timely reminder of how life has drastically changed for Ukraine and how it has impacted our Ukrainian friends in Southampton and all over the world."
"Art can be a powerful way to reflect the challenges our societies face, and here we are bringing together our tradition as a city of the sanctuary of welcoming people from across the world and the opportunity to do this through art.
"I am proud that teams within Southampton City Council and GO! Southampton has worked with ‘Standing with Giants’, as it demonstrates that we as a city stands in solidarity with Ukraine and others adversely impacted by war.
"I urge those who are able, to take some time to visit the sculpture, reflect, and donate to one of the many charities."
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Stephen Manion, executive director at GO! Southampton, said: "Southampton has a proud history of being a city of sanctuary, and this war is devastating a country and destroying the lives of our Ukrainian friends.
"This artwork is a poignant reminder that the suffering continues for children and families.
"We wanted to support and share our Ukrainian community's view that this imposing and emotional sculpture be a place to visit, pause, and reflect."
‘I Want to Live’ will stand in Southampton’s Guildhall Square until Wednesday, April 19.
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