June 10, 2025 (Reuters.com)
The first moment after an explosion, black smoke rising. Had it been somewhere up in the sky I would have associated it with a cloud but as it is it evoked images of explosion in me, destruction.
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- Summary
- Art installation in Kyiv evokes bleakness of war
- Ukrainian artist’s ‘Black Cloud’ to show in U.S.
- ‘Made me think of evil,’ says passer-by
KYIV, June 10 (Reuters) – A massive black cloud has stood in Kyiv’s historic Sophia Square this week, emitting flashes of lightning and the rumble of thunder in evocation of war, before it travels to the Burning Man art festival in the United States later this year.
The “Black Cloud” installation, by Ukrainian artist Oleksiy Say, measures 30 metres (100 feet) long and 15 high, weighs nearly eight tonnes and is made from four kilometres of fabric.
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The work also includes the sounds of artillery fire, explosions, drones and military vehicles in a chilling evocation of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine since February 2022.
“Get ready. Evil is just around the corner. It makes sense to face it,” Say told Reuters, standing beside his work, in a message to others beyond Ukraine.
The 50-year-old, who studied at the Kyiv Art and Industrial Technical School, lives and works in the capital of Ukraine where there has been a surge of “war art” during the conflict.
Item 1 of 2 The “Black Cloud” installation, by Ukrainian artist Oleksiy Sai (Liosha Say), which includes the sounds of artillery fire, explosions, drones and military vehicles in a chilling evocation of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine since February 2022, is displayed in central Kyiv, June 8, 2025. The artwork is 30 meters (100 feet) long and 15 meters (49 feet) high, weighs nearly eight tonnes, and is made from four kilometers of fabric. REUTERS/Vladyslav Musiienko
[1/2]The “Black Cloud” installation, by Ukrainian artist Oleksiy Sai (Liosha Say), which includes the sounds of artillery fire, explosions, drones and military vehicles in a chilling evocation of Russia’s all-out invasion of Ukraine since February 2022, is displayed in central Kyiv, June 8, 2025. The… Purchase Licensing Rights, opens new tab Read more
Say’s installation will be a Ukrainian contribution to the annual, eight-day independent art festival in the Black Rock Desert in Nevada in August.
“Perhaps the next time someone watches news about Ukraine they will register not only the information but also experience an emotion that goes with it. That’s how it (the Black Cloud) is intended to work,” said Maria Moroz, executive producer of the project.
For Kyiv residents, the Black Cloud is a stark symbol.
On a recent day, some took photos while others stood quietly, one couple hugging in silence under its shadow.
“Had it been somewhere up in the sky, I would have associated it with a cloud, but as it is, it evoked images of explosions and destruction in me,” said Natalia, 58, from Kyiv.
“I was walking to work when I saw this installation. It made me think of something evil. It reminded me of the war,” said Tetiana, 54. “Constant air raid alerts, missiles, … drones, this is what it makes me think of.”