Poltava's new Shakespeare bust sparks debate over its 'stoned' expression

A newly installed bust of William Shakespeare in Poltava has sparked mixed reactions online, with its creator attributing the playwright's surprised expression to historical rumors of drug use. The sculpture appeared in the Botanical Garden of Poltava Pedagogical University. Artist Yaroslav Shkarupa told Telegraf he completed the bust in seven days under a tight deadline, though he said ideal work would require two months. He based the likeness on portraits and descriptions, noting Shakespeare was reportedly "plump" and may have created works under the influence of cannabis. Shkarupa, who has sculpted for over a decade, plans future works featuring Ukrainian actor Bohdan Stupka and military commander Robert Brovdi "Madjar." He previously gained attention for a sculpture of a Russian man eaten by a shark in Egypt.