Today, I would like to introduce you to an artist from Ukraine, Galina Shevtsova and her personal experience.
Almost a year has passed since the terrible events that occurred in Ukraine. During this time, many cities, including Galina's, were affected by bombing which started early in the morning, between 4 and 5 a.m. Although her memories of fear and stress are mostly erased, Galina, like every other Ukrainian, was faced with a tough decision.
Panic and stress can lead to a state where the brain stops functioning, and the only thoughts are about survival. Galina quickly gathered the necessary documents, a few belongings, and a limited number of graphic works that could fit in a suitcase. She set off on a journey to the border, which took her 4 days to reach, and during that time, she encountered many challenges. The navigation was not functioning, and it was difficult to know if she was on the right road. Explosions were heard, Russian warplanes flew overhead, and long queues and checks only added to the fatigue.
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However, Galina was lucky to have been taken in by a Polish family after crossing the border. People with good hearts and big souls came to the border of Poland and Ukraine, taking in complete strangers and offering them shelter. Galina was able to regain her strength after some rest, and she has now been in Poland for almost a year.
For almost a year, the artist kept her personal pain hidden and still does so. Despite this, she believes that she is fine. She is grateful to be in a peaceful place, but the news still breaks her heart. She has fear for the relatives and friends who are still in Ukraine and an unending desire for peace and happiness for humanity. The artist wants to show what has happened to the civilian population in Ukraine so that it never happens again.
The collages are created with a black fawn as the background, which is not a random choice. The black fawn represents a small, defenseless animal that has lost its strength and symbolizes a child who does not understand what is happening in the world. The fawn may be almost invisible in the collage, appearing as a stain or a shadow, but it is there. This serves as a symbol of what we often choose not to see or acknowledge if it is not a part of our plans. It highlights our tendency to separate ourselves from others, but even as we close our eyes and cover ourselves with a blanket, there are still people who are struggling, suffering, and losing loved ones.
We welcome your comments. Perhaps you have had a similar experience, or you have a history of helping Ukrainians. All stories are valuable and interesting to hear.