Quasimodo mural in Kyiv: art and the conflict between history and modernity

The art world is never out of the public eye, especially when art comes to life on the walls of ancient buildings.

World-renowned photo artist Evgenia Fullen became the center of attention and controversy in Kyiv after her mural depicting Quasimodo and Esmeralda was displayed on the facade of a historic building at 31 Sichovyh Striltsiv Street.

It was this mural depicting Esmeralda and Quasimodo on the roof of the Notre-Dame Cathedral that caused quite a wave of indignation among local residents. Some consider it a manifestation of France's gratitude for their military support, others consider it tasteless and a violation of the historic status of the house. 

However, the conflict over this work of art went much further. Residents of Kyiv launched a petition against the approval of new murals in the city, and deputy Yevgenia Kuleba stated that the Department of Cultural Heritage Protection did not grant permission for the creation of the mural. This resulted in a serious clash between art lovers and those who believe that historic buildings should be protected from external changes.

Art will always be a controversial and debated issue, but it is this debate that makes it a living and important element of modern society. The Quasimodo mural in Kyiv is just one of many examples that question our perceptions of art, history and cultural heritage.