Ukraine Independence Day 2023

Today’s Doodle, illustrated by Kyiv-based guest artist Polina Doroshenko, honors Ukraine Independence Day 2023. This national holiday honors the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people, and remembers all who’ve given their lives for their country — including those still fighting now. On this day in 1991, Ukraine gained its independence and joined the world stage as a sovereign nation.

After the fall of the Soviet Union, the Ukrainian people voted 92% in favor of independence in a referendum for the Act of Declaration of Independence in December 1991. Since then, Ukraine has continued to build up a democratic state that values freedom and integrity. The nation has also made several notable global contributions to space exploration, medicine, art, music, technology, and more.

Ukraine’s blue-and-yellow national flag, like the colors represented in today’s artwork, symbolizes the open sky above its endless wheat fields seen throughout the country. Beyond that, it also represents the people’s unbreakable spirit, devotion to the land, and love for freedom. The Doodle artwork depicts a parade representing all Ukrainians showing their pride and confidence, moving into the future. This year’s Independence Day holds particular significance as the country continues its struggle against the ongoing Russian invasion. 

Guest Artist Q&A with Polina Doroshenko

Today’s Doodle was illustrated by Kyiv-based guest artist Polina Doroshenko. Below, she  shares her thoughts behind the making of this Doodle:

Q. What was your creative process for this Doodle artwork? (ie. research, artistic style or medium).

A. My creative process was to do first research and then develop an illustration to represent Independence Day. My goal was to showcase both diversity and unity.
 

Q. Did you draw inspiration from anything in particular for this Doodle? Are there specific elements of the artwork that have symbolic meaning? 
A. I embedded meaning in most of the details. For example, the color of the sneakers, details from traditional clothing and embroidery, and the ceramic rooster which has become a symbol of indomitability, stability despite all the challenges of today. In the illustration, we can see prototypes of both contemporaries and people who met the Independence of Ukraine 32 years ago.