A Bronze Monument to a Fallen Territorial Defense Soldier Unveiled at a Cemetery in Odesa — An Original Work by the "OMI" Studio

A new memorial monument has been unveiled at one of the city cemeteries in Odesa, dedicated to a fallen soldier of the Territorial Defense Forces of Ukraine. The monument was created on a custom order by the sculptors of the renowned art studio OMI, which specializes in the production of bespoke memorials and artistic compositions for military personnel.

The composition features a full-height bronze sculpture — the figure of the soldier is portrayed in a moment of watchful calm, dressed in full combat gear, holding a weapon, with state and military decorations faithfully cast in bronze. The statue is mounted on a solid granite pedestal, lending the monument grandeur, stability, and permanence. Visually, the monument embodies the image of a defender who remained on duty — even after death.

The creation process began with a personal story. The soldier’s family and comrades approached the OMI studio with a request not just to design a gravestone, but to craft a true artistic image that would eternally preserve the spirit and personality of the fallen warrior. The sculptors held several meetings with the family, studied archival photographs, military documents, elements of gear and medals to accurately recreate the soldier’s appearance and distinctive features.

From sketch to bronze — the entire process was done by hand. The sculpture was modeled in life size, underwent a full bronze casting process, and was completed with final patination. Special attention was given to details: the texture of the uniform, the positioning of the hands, facial expressions — everything was carefully designed to convey the hero’s character. The sculpture was then installed on a custom-made granite base, symbolizing strength and eternal remembrance.

The OMI studio has been creating monuments for over 10 years — for military heroes, public figures, and private clients. A key focus of their work is memorials dedicated to Ukraine’s fallen defenders. Each project is approached not as a standard commission but as a profound personal story that must be told through art. The team includes sculptors, architects, foundry experts, and stone specialists — with all stages of production managed in-house to ensure the highest quality and complete alignment with the family's vision.

OMI accepts individual commissions for memorials dedicated to fallen servicemen and women. They can work from photographs, archives, and in close collaboration with the family to approve the final image. A full range of services is offered: design sketches, 3D visualization, bronze casting, stonework, delivery, and installation at the burial site.

Memory is more than words. It is form, image, and symbol — and OMI helps keep that memory alive in bronze and stone.