Taras Shevchenko was born on 9 March 1814, into a serf family, in Kiyv - Russia, and Cherkasy, Ukraine. He was orphaned at the age of eleven, being taught to read and draw by a local mentor. His artistic skills were noticed, and he was apprenticed to Ukrainian and Russian artists. Shevchenko's freedom was purchased in 1838, and he became a student of the Academy of Arts by Karl Briullov - his 'sponsor'.
Even as a young serf Shevchenko wrote poetry, and in 1840 his first collection, "Kobzar" was published. In 1845 he worked with another 'medium' - etchings, so as to capture and show the conditions of his homeland, the ruins, and the monuments. In 1847 he was arrested, as some his writings and drawings were considered 'extremely inflammatory'. For 10 years Shevchenko was seconded to the Russian military, so they could make sure that the ban on him, to refrain from writing or painting, was carried out, with him being too busy as a Private in the Orenburg garrison near the Ural Mountains to be able to be creative.
In 1857 he received a pardon, and in 1859 headed to his native Ukraine. His final illness was too much, and died the after his 47th birthday (10 March 1861) in St Petersburg; only seven days before the 'Emanicipation of Serfs' was announced. [Info from: Taras Shevchenko]
From the Monuments Australia website, for the sculpture, is the following synopsis on Shechenko:
"A sculpture commemorates Taras Shevchenkow a Ukrainian poet, writer, artist, public and political figure, as well as folklorist and ethnographer. His literary heritage is regarded to be the foundation of modern Ukrainian literature He was also a painter and an illustrator.
"In 1847 he was convicted for writing in the Ukrainian language, promoting independence of Ukraine and ridiculing members of the Russian Imperial House." Taras Shevchenko
Further information on Shevchenko, and in particular some of his art works, can be seen in the 11 minute video, from 'Vimeo', at: Shevchenko.
The plaque, on the beveled, speckled-grey granite base, has the following inscription:
"Shevchenko's Visions"
In Honour of Ukraine's BARD
Taras Shevchenko
Presented in the year 2000 to the
Ukrainian Community in Australia
by the City of Kyiv
Sculptor A. Valiev
The memorial sculpture looked like an over-sized lute, with a diorama inside. The Monuments Australia Web Site link below shows a photo with bright sunshine, highlighting that.
As I wasn't going to invite myself into the fenced yard of the Orthodox Centre, I wasn't even sure if the sculpture was sheet copper, bent and soldered into the complex shape, or if it was solid, and cast. But seeing the thinner supports beneath it, I would think that it would be hollow.
Address: 6 McKay Gardens, Turner, ACT, 2612, Australia
Visited: 1516, Saturday, 1 September, 2018