ANTON KARYUK
WAR
DRAGON’S TEETH
Objects
2025
Anti-tank obstacles – or dragon’s teeth – are fortification structures made of concrete or granite, shaped like three-sided pyramidal blocks and buried in rows. Their purpose is to impede the advance of enemy armored units. Dragon’s teeth were widely used toward the end of the World War I and became especially prominent during the World War II, serving as defensive measures in fortified zones and pre-established defensive lines. Today, these structures are deployed in the ongoing russian-Ukrainian war and along the borders of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland.
The geological formation known as the Fennoscandian Shield runs along the northeastern border between European countries and russian territory. This ancient structure encompasses most of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Karelia, the Kola Peninsula, and Crimea. As one of Europe’s oldest and most stable geological formations, it dates back over 3 billion years and comprising dozens of different types of granite and their combinations with other rocks. This granite was used for the work, specifically collecting and crafting pieces of paving stones scattered on the streets of Helsinki.
For centuries, paving stones have served not only as a durable street surface, but also as a symbol of popular resistance. During revolutions and protests, people often dismantled paving stones to use them as improvised weapons, and protesters tore stones off the streets to defend themselves against security forces. This simple, yet effective tool became a symbol of will and determination, reminding us that even everyday objects can be turned into weapons in the fight for freedom and justice.
The dragon’s teeth border not only testifies to the deep geological ties along the line from Finland to Crimea, but also plays a symbolic role in today’s political and geographical context.
Edition: 40 objects
Size: 3–5 cm × 30–50 mm
Material: granite
2025
Anti-tank obstacles – or dragon’s teeth – are fortification structures made of concrete or granite, shaped like three-sided pyramidal blocks and buried in rows. Their purpose is to impede the advance of enemy armored units. Dragon’s teeth were widely used toward the end of the World War I and became especially prominent during the World War II, serving as defensive measures in fortified zones and pre-established defensive lines. Today, these structures are deployed in the ongoing russian-Ukrainian war and along the borders of Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, and Finland.
The geological formation known as the Fennoscandian Shield runs along the northeastern border between European countries and russian territory. This ancient structure encompasses most of the Scandinavian Peninsula, Karelia, the Kola Peninsula, and Crimea. As one of Europe’s oldest and most stable geological formations, it dates back over 3 billion years and comprising dozens of different types of granite and their combinations with other rocks. This granite was used for the work, specifically collecting and crafting pieces of paving stones scattered on the streets of Helsinki.
For centuries, paving stones have served not only as a durable street surface, but also as a symbol of popular resistance. During revolutions and protests, people often dismantled paving stones to use them as improvised weapons, and protesters tore stones off the streets to defend themselves against security forces. This simple, yet effective tool became a symbol of will and determination, reminding us that even everyday objects can be turned into weapons in the fight for freedom and justice.
The dragon’s teeth border not only testifies to the deep geological ties along the line from Finland to Crimea, but also plays a symbolic role in today’s political and geographical context.
Edition: 40 objects
Size: 3–5 cm × 30–50 mm
Material: granite
Installation view
Open studio HIAP Suomenlinna. Gallery Augusta. Helsinki (Finland)
Photo by Elis Hannikainen
Fortifications during the russian invasion of Ukraine
Photo by „Scanpix“/AP
© Anton Karyuk 2025