Original artwork description:

This image has its origins in a horrifying reality. War is comparable to an unstoppable force, a presence that approaches like an elemental power, silent and devoid of emotion. It is beyond description, evoking both fear and awe, much like Kierkegaard's philosophy. It cannot be evaded; one must confront it directly, just as a gopher faces a snake, staring into its eyes that reflect a multitude of emotions: pain, anger, fear, strength, despair, hope, courage, obsession, sacrifice, love, death, and the thirst for life. These eyes encompass all that individuals experience, as everyone has their breaking point, their own personal hell, sometimes without the assurance of an escape.

The halo encircling the ethereal figure of war does not signify its holiness, but rather its existence outside the laws of this world, adhering to the rules of another supernatural realm. The ghostly figure seems to emerge from a silver door, detached from both time and space, passing us by to transform us and present a daunting challenge that we must accept, endure, respond to, and ultimately change due to these hardships. Within its core lies an abyss, but also infinity!

With a single sweep of its dark wings, war can snuff out thousands of lives and strip millions of their sense of security. This is symbolized by the extinguished candles. These young lives would still burn brightly if not for war. These candles represent the points of pain in my artwork and are as sharp to the touch as the harsh reality faced by those who have lost loved ones.

No one knows when death will come for them, whether day or night, suddenly severing the golden thread of life with its cruel grip. And atop death's head rests a golden apple of discord, reminiscent of Greek mythology and the cause of the Trojan War. One nation could not bear the thought that another might be superior in beauty, love, and humanity.

The small red dragon, symbolizing the Kremlin and its "master," embodies evil. This serpent tightly grasps a golden branch, signifying its intention to eliminate anyone who opposes it. This is the modus operandi of empires—they exterminate peoples and seize their lands.

Within the darkness of war resides a soul that is orphaned and widowed. It is enveloped in blackness, yet it remains alive. The soul also holds a golden twig, for it understands the secret of life—that it cannot be destroyed—and senses the boundless nature of existence. War may imprison life, but the soul can discover the key to liberate itself from captivity.

The portrayal of an angel's head adorned with a golden wreath personifies the three virtues: Hope, Faith, and Love. These virtues are always with us, assisting us in navigating the path of trials, supporting us, and preventing us from losing our humanity. Amidst fire and bloodshed, it is easy to lose sight of our humanity. However, when that happens, everything loses meaning, and the most distressing aspect is that individuals may not even realize when they cease to be human. War exposes the darkness within each of us, summoning it from the depths of our unconsciousness and revealing something terrible that we were unaware of. It is akin to opening a door between humanity and inhumanity, leaving us horrified by what we witness, stunned by the true nature of our being. Only love and compassion provide us with the strength to avoid descending into the abyss of our monstrous, thoughtless, and pathological aggression.

Materials used:

Oil, Acrylic, Golden Leaf, Structural paste, Candles, Items from personal collection

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