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AWAKENING
PROJECT BY
ARTWOOD

Project Awakening Projekt PrzebudzeniePolish Ulhan in black and white
Project

“Awakening”

A tribute to the Polish unknown soldier of the 5th Zaslaw Uhlan Regiment, created to honour those brave souls who fought for their and our freedoms; ready to make the ultimate sacrifice.

by Tadeusz Swiatek

This project has been on my mind for many years. It was first ignited during my younger adult life, which had a profound impact on me as an artist.

TIMELINE
Interesting facts

About this project

From initial idea to final art

Soldier dummy in a workshop
1970's

1970's Project idea forms in the mind of young Tadeusz (Ted) based on publications about the famous Polish political and military figure Jozef Pilsudski.

1980's Revival of the transformed idea for the monument; from Jozef Pilsudski to the monument of the unknown soldier (after moving to Ontario, Canada).

1980's
2010's

2010's Procurement of all necessary materials for this project and the beginning of work on the monument in a private studio in Toronto, Ontario.

2020's After investing 5500 hours over the span of 12 years, the work is finally complete. "Awakening" is geared towards cultural institutions in Poland.

2020's
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About the story behind this project

wooden statue of a Polish Ulhan soldier
Tadeusz Swiatek working on a wooden statue of a Polish Ulhan

The idea is born

This project has been a lingering thought for many years, initially sparked during my younger adult years, leaving a profound impact on me both as an artist and as an individual. The inspiration originated from a documentary on Jozef Pilsudski, where an artist's aspiration to construct a monument in his honor was mentioned. Unfortunately, the artist passed away before realizing these ambitious plans. I distinctly remember that moment, and it planted a strong calling within me to embark on and complete a project of my own.

The idea of constructing a monumental tribute persisted in the recesses of my memories for decades. Years passed with a sense of emptiness, a feeling that I was missing something crucial, although I couldn't pinpoint what it was. Finally, in 2010, the memory resurfaced, and I made the decision to commence the project, giving life to a monument that would be uniquely my own.

Initial concept

The initial intention was to create a monument of Joseph Pilsudski. However, facing challenges in locating and acquiring props related to him, I sought a creative solution to maintain the project's momentum and honor the artist's spirit. I adapted by opting to construct a monument of a Polish soldier from 1939.

I am convinced that this decision was appropriate as these soldiers displayed remarkable courage on various fronts during the Second World War. The world should acknowledge and pay greater tribute to the courageous men and women who fought valiantly for freedom.

Awakening project elements
Polish Ulhan statue close-up

Why Ulhan?

Honouring the courageous souls who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their and our freedoms, I've chosen to dedicate a monument to them. This sculpture, named "Awakening," symbolizes a soldier rousing from a dream, prepared for combat to safeguard our homeland. The unnamed soldier hails from the 5th Zaslaw Uhlan Regiment (5 Pulk Ulanow Zaslawskich), a cavalry unit of the Polish army that valiantly fought during the 1939 Invasion of Poland. Their bravery, courage, and sacrifice deserve perpetual recognition and respect.

ABOUT ME
Tadeusz Swiatek

"My wish is to have this monument placed somewhere and proudly displayed in my homeland of Poland, where I believe it belongs. I'm hoping that this project also inspires others to pass something along to the next generations. As such, I would like to donate it to future generations to remember and never forget their heritage and where they came from."

Tadeusz Swiatek

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