Sculptor Egons Peršēvics has unveiled his latest large-scale work, “Project 613,” at the base of the Karosta Bridge in Liepāja, a piece deeply influenced by the ongoing war in Ukraine. The sculpture draws on historical and natural elements, referencing Soviet-era submarines once stationed in Karosta and the haunting image of whales washed ashore.
The inspiration for this work came from a turning point in 2023 when the Ukrainian army began reclaiming its territories. Reflecting on this, Egons Peršēvics shares, “We conceived the project during Prigozhin’s march to Moscow, thinking the whole mess might collapse, that the war might end immediately.”
“Project 613” serves as an anti-war symbol, focusing not just on the conflict but on what comes after – the lingering trauma and scars, particularly the unseen emotional wounds and how to cope with them. Edgars Peršēvics explains, “This piece is an attempt to help people come to terms with their experiences of war and to leave it behind.”
The sculpture combines elements of both war and nature, illustrating the predatory, instinctual nature of conflict. It also nods to Karosta’s history as a military base, now a peaceful civilian landscape. Situated on the canal embankment where submarines once launched on combat missions, the sculpture invites reflection as people can sit, gaze at the water, and find peace in the transformed surroundings.
Egons Peršēvics underscores that this piece is not about glorifying military victories or commemorating the fallen. Rather, it is a tribute to those who survived the war, whether they bore its direct impact or not. “War should fade away, becoming a distant, almost surreal memory, much like a fossil remains long after the living being has vanished.”
As the war dragged on and intensified, so too did this art project. “What began as a simple, almost poster-like concept quickly evolved, taking on a life of its own. During the creative process, it grew in both size and significance – now it stands five times larger than I initially envisioned,” Egons Peršēvics reflects.
“People often expect artists to quickly respond to world events – if there's a war, the demand is to either glorify it or, more often, to depict its horrors, which are undeniable. But the truth is, art, especially on a grand scale, doesn't materialize overnight. This project took me an entire year to complete. Creating something meaningful and deeply considered can't be rushed. This piece is my way of looking ahead, a proactive attempt to engage with the future. I hope that when people see this work, they will reflect not just on the events of the day, but on what lies beyond.”
Sculptor Egons Peršēvics, who is one of the first Latvian PhD’s in Art and the creator of iconic works such as the “Ghost Horse” at the Daugavpils Mark Rothko Art Centre, the serene “Milda” in a lotus pose, “The Kidnapping of the Sea Mother,” which has been exhibited across Latvia and the iconic Mermaid of Karosta, once visible in the sea at Liepāja’s Northern Breakwater, continues to tackle deeply charged political issues with a touch of irony in his public art. His work often addresses themes like ecology, various manifestations of discrimination, and freedom.
His significant contribution to art has earned him the Latvian Public Media Award in Culture, “Kilograms kultūras,” for his artist residency project at the Karosta Water Supply Tower, which had experienced five seasons.
“Project 613” was created in collaboration with the Liepāja Culture Department and the Liepāja SEZ Authority. For more updates on Egons Peršēvics’ work, you can follow him on Facebook and Instagram accounts www.facebook.com/Egons.Persevics.Art/ and www.instagram.com/egons_persevics/.
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