This past weekend, it was presented at the “EneidaFest” festival at the National Museum of Folk Architecture and Life of Ukraine.

Every element of this art installation is imbued with meaning. At its core is a reimagined image of a power line pole, transformed into the Tree of Life and echoing the archetype of the World Tree, which connects earth and sky, past and future, humanity and nature.

The metal power line poles represent the unbreakable backbone of the country, just like the utility workers who restore the power grid, repair damage, and provide people with light even just a few kilometers from the front lines.

The 22 clay birds perched on the Tree’s branches symbolize our defenders. They were created by Ukrainian artists who are currently serving in the military. Clay symbolizes a nation that passes through fire and emerges stronger. Falcons, doves, swallows, and roosters are traditional symbols in Ukrainian culture of protection, light, rebirth, and homecoming. Thus, these birds are not only part of an artistic composition but also personal testimonies of people who are simultaneously defending Ukraine and shaping its culture.

The top of the installation is crowned by a stork’s nest — a symbol of home and life. For years, Ukrainian power workers have been installing protective platforms for stork nests on utility poles. They continue to do so today. After all, even during war, life must go on.

“The Tree of Life” tells the story of reconstruction not as the restoration of destroyed structures, but as the restoration of life. It is a story about people who preserve the light, about art born during the war, and about a future that sprouts even through metal.
Ukrainian light will undoubtedly triumph over russian darkness!
Glory to Ukraine!