'The Future Remembers': An Art Installation
To mark Ukraine's Independence Day, a five-minute audiovisual art piece called "The Future Remembers" was switched on at the Motherland Monument in Kyiv. Created by Ukrainian lighting designer Mykola Kabluka, the projection explores Ukraine's history and identity through light, symbols, and music. It draws on Cossack embroidery, Crimean Tatar patterns, and motifs from Greek, Scythian, and Slavic heritage. Ukraine has celebrated its Independence Day on August 24 since 1991.
Symbols and supporting actions
The artwork incorporates a range of symbolic imagery, including:
- roots
- spirals
- water
- wings
- stars
- constellations
"I was struck by the installation's title, 'The Future Remembers.' On one level, it seems like a contradiction; on another, it rings deeply true. Our future is shaped by past events, created in the present, and determined by the daily decisions people make." - Tetiana Berezhna, Ukraine's Minister of Culture
As part of the same commemorations, the civil society group Ukraine WOW and the charity foundation "Come Back Alive" reproduced the flag that was carried into the Verkhovna Rada on 24 August 1991. One thousand copies of that historic flag are available in exchange for a charitable donation, with proceeds going toward ground robotic systems for the Armed Forces of Ukraine. August 24, 2026, will mark the 35th anniversary of Ukraine's independence. The full-scale war is now in its fifth year, and for the past eleven years, Ukrainians have been defending their independence with weapons in hand.
This installation and other Independence Day initiatives highlight how central national identity and historical memory remain for Ukrainians. Amid an ongoing war, these projects look back at the past and help shape the future, rallying society around shared values and a common purpose. The flag reproduction effort, which supports troops on the front line, also reflects solidarity and the desire for peace and stability in Ukraine.
As Ukraine celebrates its rich cultural heritage, artistic expressions continue to flourish across the country. In a similar vein, the recent exhibition of student artworks at a Kyiv metro station showcases the creativity and resilience of the younger generation in honoring Ukraine's Independence Day. This initiative emphasizes the importance of art in reflecting national identity and can be explored further in our coverage of student art installations during the holiday.