ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Zhanna Kadyrova's origami concrete deer travels from Ukraine to Venice Biennale via UNESCO

exhibition · 2026-03-28

Ukrainian artist Zhanna Kadyrova's concrete origami deer sculpture, created on the eve of Russia's full-scale invasion, has journeyed to the Venice Biennale. The deer was first displayed at UNESCO headquarters in Paris, where it stood in the gardens alongside Alexander Calder's Spirale with the Eiffel Tower as backdrop. The sculpture, which appears feather-light despite being heavy concrete, has become a symbol of hope for Ukraine. It was transported on a flat-bed truck through multiple cities before reaching Venice.

Key facts

  • Sculpture created by Zhanna Kadyrova
  • Made of concrete with origami aesthetic
  • Displayed at UNESCO headquarters in Paris
  • Part of Venice Biennale 2026
  • Symbolizes hope for Ukraine
  • Traveled through multiple cities
  • Companion piece to Alexander Calder's Spirale
  • Russia's full-scale invasion began in 2022

Entities

Artists

  • Zhanna Kadyrova
  • Alexander Calder

Institutions

  • UNESCO
  • Venice Biennale

Locations

  • Paris
  • France
  • Venice
  • Italy
  • Ukraine
  • Europe

Sources