Original artwork description:

Bear by Igor Galan is a striking and deeply personal artistic reaction to the onset of Russian aggression against Ukraine. At its core, this painting reimagines the bear - a traditional emblem of Russia - as a surreal and threatening figure, bearing multiple heads and sharp talons. These features emphasize the chaos and fragmentation of an oppressive force, while the wings - reminiscent of the Russian coat of arms - add an unsettling grandeur to the creature.

Set against a vivid pink background, the painting disrupts the typical color schemes associated with power and strength, infusing the work with a sense of surreal defiance. The sharp contrasts between the bear’s fierce form and the vibrant hues highlight the conflict between aggression and resilience. As Galan’s immediate response to the invasion, Bear channels the anguish and determination of a nation resisting oppression, making it a powerful political statement and a testament to the role of art in documenting history.

This painting is not just a work of surrealism; it is a visual manifesto of courage and critique, urging viewers to question symbols of power and the narratives they perpetuate.

Materials used:

Oil

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