Usyk to honor Ukrainian culture before Dubois clash
Usyk will bring the hidden history of Mariupol to London - the restored mosaic by Alla Horska (photo: Getty Images)
On July 14, at the legendary Trafalgar Square in London, world boxing champion Oleksandr Usyk will present the recreated mosaic "Boryviter." This iconic panel, created in Mariupol by the renowned dissident artist Alla Horska, was damaged during the full-scale Russian invasion. The unveiling of "Boryviter" will be Usyk's first significant event in London ahead of his fight with Daniel Dubois, reports Ukraine WOW.
What is known about the mosaic and the event
The original "Boryviter" mosaic, featuring a falcon in flight symbolizing creative freedom, was created by a group of artists led by Alla Horska in Mariupol in 1967.
Three years after its creation, Alla Horska was brutally murdered by the Soviet secret services. In 2022, the panel was significantly damaged during the full-scale Russian invasion.
Usyk will present to the world the secret of the destroyed mosaic by Horska (Ukraine WOW)
The restoration of the mosaic took six months, and the panel faithfully replicates the original mosaic in Mariupol down to the smallest detail.
To achieve this, over 700 kg of materials were sourced from various parts of the world: from opaque glass (smalt) and tiles in the required colors to metal plates and even aluminum spoons.
Fifteen monumental artists and researchers, including Anastasiia Leliuk, Tetiana Tadai, Inha Levi, Olha Chykalo, Alia Sehal, Tamara Turliun, Polina Pyskurova, Anastasiia Antonets, Tetiana Bakum, Andrii Fisher, and Hanna Krut, took part in recreating the mosaic.
The team was led by Alla Horska's granddaughter, Olena Zaretska, and cultural manager Nastia Ishchenko.
Moreover, for "Boryviter", a special construction was created to transport it safely. The restored mosaic was first presented in Kyiv in June this year.
The restored mosaic by Horska will be presented in London (photo: Ukraine WOW)
Now, it will promote Ukrainian art and tell the world about those whom Russia seeks to destroy, carrying a message of resilience and rebirth.
The organizers of the event and Usyk himself are confident that the restoration of "Boryviter" is not just a renovation. It is a powerful symbol of the belief that everything destroyed in Ukraine will be restored and that Ukrainian cultural heritage will be preserved to impress and inspire the world.
