4 minute read
Lighting Hope Amidst Darkness
The Cross of Heroes in Ukraine
By Randy Reid
Photo credit: Expolight
In a powerful fusion of art, technology, and symbolism, the Cross of Heroes sculpture in Ukraine stands as a beacon of hope and resilience amidst the ongoing turmoil brought on by the war. The project transcends traditional memorials, using light to convey resistance and unity during dark times.
A Memorial Rooted in Symbolism and Light
For designer Mykola Kabluka of Expolight, this project is personal. "This work is extremely important for me and my team because of the cruel war that’s ongoing. Every family has someone who has died, been injured, or lost their home," he shared. The memorial was conceived to represent how light can stand strong against overwhelming darkness, a metaphor for Ukraine’s fight for independence and survival.
Mykola emphasized that while darkness seems overpowering, light, even when it appears fragile, has the potential to win. This philosophy is what drove the design, with the idea that every small light represents an individual’s belief and strength, inspiring others to continue the fight.
The Design and Lighting Concept
The Cross of Heroes is not just a visual landmark; it’s an interactive experience. "I organized the mirrors in such a way that they multiply the lights, surrounding visitors in this cloud. This design represents the collective strength needed to win in this unequal war," Mykola explained.
Externally, the cross serves dual purposes—it is both a Christian symbol and the emblem of the Ukrainian Army, rooted in ancient Ukrainian tradition. What makes the piece unique is its integration with natural light.
"The sunlight symbolizes that those who have fallen are still with us, and their spirit continues to shine," said Mykola. As sunlight reflects across the square, it reinforces the presence of these heroes.
Lighting Technicalities: Achieving the Perfect Glow
The lighting system inside the cross is a non-adjustable setup, utilizing 4000K to create a contrast that feels neither too warm nor too cold. "The 4000K light offers a more contrastive feeling. It’s noticeable even during daylight because of its concentration," said Mykola.
The project faced technical challenges, especially in achieving the pristine appearance of the mirrored prisms without visible joints or hatches. The solution involved hiding the necessary infrastructure underground, allowing the prisms to appear as pure structures of light without visible interruptions.
A Symbol of Unity and Remembrance
Beyond the visual experience, the Cross of Heroes includes an auditory dimension. The design team composed a soundscape featuring natural sounds from various regions of Ukraine, including the whispers of Carpathian winds, river flows from the central regions, and the echoes of forests from the north. Combined with the striking visual elements, these sounds immerse visitors in deep contemplation as they connect with the memorial.
The entire project was completed in just five months, with one month dedicated to concept design, another month for technical planning, and three months for construction and installation.
Conclusion
The Cross of Heroes stands as a remarkable tribute, not just to those who have lost their lives but also as a symbol of ongoing resistance. Mykola’s innovative use of artificial and natural light demonstrates how technology and art can intertwine to deliver powerful messages of hope, courage, and remembrance.
As the war continues, this memorial will serve as a beacon, reminding everyone that even in the darkest of times, light— however small—can guide the way forward.
