The phrase 'Mushrooms with eyes' is a historic local idiom referring to the practice of identifying mushroom pickers by the dirt left on their clothes after harvesting.
The bronze figures are designed to be tactile, and rubbing the nose or cap of the mushroom is a popular tradition among visitors for good luck.
The monument was commissioned as part of a city beautification project aimed at highlighting regional cultural folklore.
It is the first monument of its kind in Russia dedicated specifically to the local proverb.
Pamyatnik Griby S Glazami is a bronze sculpture located in Ryazan's Upper City Park, commemorating the local folk saying 'In Ryazan, mushrooms have eyes; they look, and they eat.' Installed in 2013, the monument features a main adult mushroom surrounded by smaller fungi, a snail, and a lizard. It was created by sculptors Vasily and Polina Gorbunov. The sculpture is cast in bronze and sits on a low stone base. The artwork draws inspiration from the regional folklore specific to the Ryazan area. It serves as a popular cultural landmark and a symbol of local identity. The sculpture is situated near the Ryazan Regional Art Museum.
A low-angle shot from the front of the main mushroom to capture the 'eyes' clearly.
Bring a camera, as the sculpture is small and requires a close-up angle to capture the details of the 'eyes'.
Visit during the afternoon to take advantage of the natural light filtering through the park trees.
Do not treat the sculpture as a climbing structure, as the bronze surface is susceptible to wear.
