Marc Zaref: "Defiance"
Inspired by the resilience and courage of the citizens of Ukraine, Marc Zaref 83 GD has created Defiance, a series of sculptures that symbolizes Ukrainian resistance and the free world's support of solidarity.
The form, derived from the "Czech Hedgehog," is a simple yet effective wartime structure created as an obstacle for tanks and armored vehicles. Yellow (gold) and blue follow the Ukrainian flag, which currently represents Ukrainian defiance, democracy and freedom. As the structure requires three elements to support one another, Zaref chose white as a symbolic element of international support and world peace.
The Czech Hedgehog
Most commonly seen in historic WWII images on the beaches of Normandy, the Germans lined the hedgehogs in rows to thwart off the allied invasion. The Germans originally saw their effectiveness in 1914 during their invasion of Czechoslovakia, where they understood how these structures earned their name.
Engineered with "I" beams or other types of structural sections, the hedgehogs have been made with materials at hand. These materials include railroad tracks and ties, rebar and scrap metal of all kinds. The assembly of three forms as equal-length cross pieces is what makes them functional. No matter how they are positioned, they are effective.
Defending Kyiv
In the first weeks of February 2022, as Russian armored vehicles entered Kyiv, they encountered many of these structures set in rows in the streets. Placed by the Ukrainian military, they proved to be effective obstacles. Since then, a remarkable effort has been made by ordinary Ukrainian citizens—office workers, tradesmen and artists. Individuals from all walks of life, with little or no welding or fabrication experience, have been contributing to the war effort by making these structures.
About the project
The sculptures are engineered for ease of installation and acquisition of materials. They are made with three sections of landscaping ties, hardware (four hex bolts, eight washers and four hex nuts) and paint.
With the prototypes completed, Zaref is currently focussing on the production of groupings to form environmental installations and single sculptures for municipalities, institutions, businesses and individuals. As an artist, he is grateful to have the ability to contribute a visual voice, bringing attention to the Ukrainian people and their plight to defend their home and democracy.
