The world’s ugliest monuments? (#2)
The Belarusian Courage Monument marks the defense of the Belarusian city of Brest and the Soviet victory in World War II.
Editor’s note: We understand that the inclusion of the Brest Hero-Fortress in this article from a contributor has caused offense in Belarus and Russia. This was unintended and we apologize. The article was intended to be a light-hearted look at monumental architecture worldwide. CNN recognizes that the monument is of solemn significance to many people honoring the sacrifice of soldiers.
(CNN) — Sculptors, stonemasons and cement stirrers of the world, listen up!
Here’s how not to build a monument.
It turns out the line between timeless artistic statement and outsized novelty paperweight is frighteningly thin.
This collection of sentimental howlers and overblown statement pieces serves as gaudy testament to overreaching creative ambition — not to mention the dictators and selection panels who thought them a great idea at the time.
Courage Monument, Brest Hero-Fortress (Belarus)
This giant, angry Soviet soldier emerging from a mountainous block of concrete looks as if he’s about to thump the West into submission before hurling North America at the sun.
The world’s ugliest monuments?
#2
by Iain Aitch, for CNN
http://edition.cnn.com/2014/01/24/travel/worlds-ugliest-monuments/
(CNN) — Sculptors, stonemasons and cement stirrers of the world, listen up!
Here’s how not to build a monument.
It turns out the line between timeless artistic statement and outsized novelty paperweight is frighteningly thin.
This collection of sentimental howlers and overblown statement pieces serves as gaudy testament to overreaching creative ambition — not to mention the dictators and selection panels who thought them a great idea at the time.
Courage Monument, Brest Hero-Fortress (Belarus)
This giant, angry Soviet soldier emerging from a mountainous block of concrete looks as if he’s about to thump the West into submission before hurling North America at the sun.
It’s actually a much-loved national monument which marks the defense of the Belarusian city of Brest and the Soviet victory in World War II.
He also serves as a reminder not to mess with Belarus — ever.
It may not be beautiful but there’s no denying its scale and significance.
Courage Monument, Memorial Complex Brest Hero-Fortress, Brest, Belarus; +375 162 200 012; open daily, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m