James Joyce Proposed as Replacement for Bulgakov Monument in Kyiv

Debate Heats Up Over Andriyivskyi Descent Statue

According to Главком: Following the removal of the Mikhail Bulgakov monument on Andriyivskyi Descent, Artem Bidenko, head of the Institute for Information Security, has suggested installing a statue of Irish writer James Joyce in its place. This proposal has sparked lively discussion on social media, where some users have countered by recommending monuments to Ukrainian authors Valerian Pidmohylny and Ivan Nechuy-Levytsky. The dismantled Bulgakov statue has been handed over for safekeeping to the heir of sculptor Mykola Rapay.

The Bulgakov monument originally stood near the writer’s Literary and Memorial Museum. In voicing his opinion, Bidenko stated:

“Dear cultured and educated people, I have fantastic news for you: a spot has opened up on Andriyivskyi Descent for a James Joyce monument.”

He further emphasized that “Joyce is a more respectable choice, as he demonstrated how to love one’s native city and its people, despite all the allure of a metropolis.”

Cultural Significance and Support for Ukrainian Writers

James Joyce is widely regarded as one of the most influential authors of the 20th century and a key figure in modernism. His most famous work is the novel 'Ulysses,' and Dublin-where Joyce was born-serves as the central setting for many of his writings. Bidenko also remarked that

“A Kyiv Bloomsday on Andriyivskyi, with Joyce replacing Bulgakov, would be the most elegant decolonization in history: not just removing imperial symbols, but replacing them with a world-class cultural phenomenon.”

Social media discussions have confirmed that proposals honoring Ukrainian writers also enjoy considerable support. This reflects a growing interest in celebrating Ukrainian literature and its figures within the capital’s cultural landscape. As a result, the question of what new monument will stand on Andriyivskyi Descent remains unresolved and continues to fuel public debate.

The emergence of this debate over the Andriyivskyi Descent monument highlights not only shifts in Kyiv’s cultural landscape but also a broader trend of reexamining the role of literature and public statues in society. The public is actively discussing whom to honor, signaling an increasing awareness of the importance of Ukrainian identity and culture. The choice between Joyce and Ukrainian authors opens up new opportunities for cultural dialogue and recognition of local creative figures.

As discussions continue around the proposed installation of a James Joyce monument, it's worth noting that Kyiv has seen similar transformative projects in the past. For instance, the recent replacement of the Lenin statue with a modern fountain has sparked a conversation about the city’s evolving cultural identity. To explore how such changes reflect broader societal shifts, check out this article on a new fountain project in central Kyiv.