Маски скорби: Европа — Азия, Memorial monument at 12th kilometer of Moscow Highway, Yekaterinburg, Russia
This memorial comprises two large bronze female faces positioned opposite each other, each gazing in a different direction. One face looks toward Europe while the other faces toward Asia, creating a divided gaze that spans the continent.
This location was used for mass burials of victims during political repressions in the 1930s, with human remains uncovered during construction in 1968. The monument was created to honor those lost and acknowledge what happened at this site.
The two faces represent a bridge between Europe and Asia, inviting visitors to pause and remember those who suffered. People come here to reflect on shared human tragedy that transcended geography and borders.
The site sits along the main highway and is straightforward to reach by vehicle, though exploring the monument and reading the inscriptions takes time. The location is open and exposed to weather, so visitors should prepare for windy or rainy conditions.
The artist refused a substantial payment and instead donated the money toward the monument's construction, demonstrating a personal commitment to the project. What many visitors do not know is that the realization took nearly three decades from conception to completion.
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