A proposed St Edmund statue, created by renowned Ukrainian sculptor and artist, is on display at Moyse's Hall Museum

Wednesday 31 July 2024

The renowned Ukrainian sculptor and artist, Valerii Kaluiev, who was rescued as bombs fell on Kyiv, has unveiled a free exhibition at West Suffolk Council’s Apex Gallery with a preliminary model for a proposed statue of the patron saint on display at Moyse’s Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds.

‘’My world – Uncompromised: From Ukraine to UK, through the eyes of an artist’’ is currently on display at The Apex in Bury St Edmunds – the town Valerii and his family have taken to their hearts since being forced to relocate from Kyiv.

The exhibition was created as a thank you to his ‘second home’, Bury St Edmunds, and the community that have made him and his wife feel so welcome during a very difficult time.

The artwork on display is a large series of sketches and paintings created since being evacuated from Kyiv, inspired by Ukraine’s plight, Great Britain, and Bury St Edmunds.

Valerii has particularly been inspired by St Edmund and even created a preliminary model for a proposed statue of the patron saint which is on display at Moyse’s Hall Museum in Bury St Edmunds.

Valerii is responsible for some of the most iconic monuments in Ukraine, including being part of the team that created the 100m tall Mother Ukraine statue; now in his 80’s, he is showing no signs of slowing down.

Through his works, the artist expresses his gratitude to the people of UK for their kindness and support of the Ukrainian people.

The exhibition has been realised through a series of partnerships wishing to share Valerii’s story.  Bury St Edmunds Town Council, supported with locality funding coming from Cllr Nicola Iannelli-Popham, Cllr Peter Armitage, Cllr Donna Higgins, Cllr Luke Halpin, Cllr Richard O'Driscoll and Cllr Marilyn Sayer; along with further support from West Suffolk Council’s Heritage Service and The Apex teams.

The Friends of Moyse’s Hall have helped with logistics and Mayor Diane Hind and West Suffolk Cllr Ian Shipp have also supported throughout the project.

The hope is that the local community will benefit too with charities committed to bringing along groups to view the works and potentially meet the great man himself.

See the exhibition, open daily until Sun 18 Aug, at The Apex Gallery.