In the winter of 2022-2023, there was too much time for reflection and deliberation. This time could not be used productively. I could never have predicted that after the coronavirus lockdown, it would be even worse morally. Restrictions on my actions and freedoms are what bother me the most.
I live in Ukraine in the frontline zone and I am an artist. During the winter, we were unable to fully utilize our time, there was no electricity. The lights were turned on for a few hours, the sun set earlier in winter and the daylight hours were too short for creativity.
What do you think? Is it possible to live in the dark? What exactly is possible to do? There is a war around us, we are being bombed, and from time to time "scrap metal" flies - that's what they call drones nowadays. They really have a loud sound like motorized scooters.
I think about my relatives who were able to leave the country at the beginning of the terrible events. In my mind, I think that maybe we will meet soon, but my subconscious insists that this will probably never happen.
I think about my relatives who were able to leave the country at the beginning of the terrible events. In my mind, I think that maybe we will meet soon, but my subconscious insists that this will probably never happen.
Who can answer the question: -What exactly is possible to do in the dark?
This winter was too cold to go for walks, even around the house. You can pray, do introspection, yoga, fitness, and anything else in solitude. I probably did all this and also tried to describe my reflections through painting. It was impossible not to act. I was charging my cell phone and shining a flashlight on it while I was painting. It was nerve-wracking and embarrassing. The colors were almost invisible, but it gave me the opportunity to be in action.
All the time I was thinking about my sister. Most of the paintings I created during this period are dedicated to her. We communicated at a distance, and I can't say for sure who was more afraid. To live in Ukraine during the war, or to live outside of Ukraine and to die mentally every time and every minute with every explosion in Ukraine. This is the moment when you are worried about your loved ones and do not know what is happening. You can't influence the situation, you can't protect them, share food, or warm your children. The vast majority of people who were able to leave for safe places had similar feelings.
So let's get back to the picture. It expresses the whole range of feelings of separation from family and hope for a reunion. I dreamed of the happiness of unity and peace. It was so important to me in the midst of the darkness and cold.
If you are interested in the painting, you can write to me by e-mail and I will definitely answer: malexandrina11@gmail.com
Perhaps you will have suggestions.
I would like to inform you that this painting was featured in two personal art exhibitions "Immense" and "Unconquered" in Dnipro in 2023.
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