We shouldn’t explain why it is our human duty to commemorate the thousands of soldiers and civilians massacred in Katyn.
The Soviet brutality dishonoured the Polish Nation the same way as the Polish eagle, the national symbol of Poland, was torn apart by a ruthless force.
Using this analogy, the planned memorial is compiled of a legion of eagle-contour-feathers forming the tied back hands of the executed. Heading from the arm up to the fingers the density of the iron-feathers gradually diffuses: this vertical movement – strengthened by inner illumination – symbolizes the ascension of the soul from the body.
Each feather allegorically commemorates the executed. The hands reaching for the sky are forming a gate at the high spot of the way of commemoration. As we arrive at the gate, we reach catharsis: where in spirit we can rise to Heaven shown by the fingers. After the dramatic moments of commemoration, we follow the way in relief and solace.
All photos were taken by Zoltán Páricsy, they are protected by copyright. In all other cases, the photographer is indicated.