Artist Statement:

Fields of wheat, barley, sunflowers, and watermelons which once stretched endlessly, nurturing life and prosperity for many; today bear different fruit—fires from missile strikes, hidden mines, and the unburied remains of those left behind. It still feels surreal that such devastation is unfolding in the XXI's century, in the heart of Europe. For many, this war has become a distant news headline—just another tragedy happening "somewhere else." But in reality, the world depends on Ukraine’s harvest, and the war has exposed the fragility of global agricultural systems. 

As a Ukrainian who had to move due to what was unfolding, I am now forced to watch from afar and pray as most of my family is still back home. Deep grief and emotions moved me to paint, pouring it all out. My paintings are a combination of impressions from imagination and feelings as I process what is happening now, contrasting with memories of the past.. The central figures in my paintings are landscapes and their inhabitants: plants, insects, animals, and birds. They are used in a metaphorical way to carry deeper symbolic meaning while also bringing a connection to the actual places in Ukraine. I use bright, bold colors to highlight that even in despair, there is hope. I work with thick layers of paint to give a tangible, tactile experience to the viewer, making them want to delve deeper into what is happening. 

The Forgotten Stories of the Fields speak of loss, hope and undeniable will to endure even when there seems to be no end to devastation. For hundreds of years, Ukraine has been fighting for its existence, always praying and hoping that for the new generation things will be better. In my symbolic usage of plant life, seeds and seasons, I want to convey that even when it feels like winter of hopelessness and death is upon us, spring and new life are coming. 

Photo Credit - Tomer Texler