Oil on gold leaf, 2024, Munich
This artwork, titled “Tear,” was created in 2024 in Munich after the artist was forced to leave Ukraine due to the war. The painting depicts a single tear running down onto the words of Lina Kostenko’s poem “Life goes on, and all without corrections,” with the poet’s signature included. The tear symbolizes the pain for Ukraine’s fate, the loss of fellow countrymen, and the deep, inexpressible sorrow brought by war.
The use of gold leaf is not accidental—it represents the value of life, hope, and light that persists even in the darkest times. The combination of oil paint and shimmering gold creates a sense of fragility and preciousness, emphasizing the importance of memory and the resilience of the human spirit.
This work is a personal reflection on the tragedy of war, a tribute to those who have been lost, and a reminder of the enduring hope for freedom and peace. Through the image of the tear and the words of a beloved Ukrainian poet, the artist conveys grief, remembrance, and the unbreakable connection to her homeland.
