The artist, being Ukrainian herself, has an emotional and spiritual connection with Kyev Rus, or Ukraine as it is now known.
Her canvas delves into a time when Kiev was one of the largest centres of culture and civilisation in the Christian World. Its pre-eminent stature is represented by the central figure of Mother Mary protected by an angel, a poignant memory and a prayer for the very spirit of the Ukrainian nation. The angel’s wings stretch protectively around the Mother, bestowing their blessings on the land and its people.
Her canvas delves into a time when Kiev was one of the largest centres of culture and civilisation in the Christian World. Its pre-eminent stature is represented by the central figure of Mother Mary protected by an angel, a poignant memory and a prayer for the very spirit of the Ukrainian nation.
The painting is rendered in tones of blue, to represent Ukraine’s open skies and nascent freedom. Its icy overtones, layered with depictions of snowfields, are the artist’s nostalgia for the pristine winters of her homeland, when the snow locked people into their dwellings. The harsh weather takes on a romantic tone with the delicate layers of lace overlaying the depiction. After all Ukrainian women made these exquisite handicrafts, with skill and patience, while outside it snowed, or men went to war.
A startling element in the composition is the blue and orange blaze above the prows of two boats: interspersed in between are the red kalyna berries. The Ukrainian folk life is irreplaceable and its beauty is celebrated through poetry and literature.
The angel’s wings stretch protectively around the Mother, bestowing their blessings on the land and its people.
The painting is rendered in tones of blue, to represent Ukraine’s open skies and nascent freedom. Its icy overtones, layered with depictions of snowfields, are the artist’s nostalgia for the pristine winters of her homeland, when the snow locked people into their dwellings. The harsh weather takes on a romantic tone with the delicate layers of lace overlaying the depiction. After all Ukrainian women made these exquisite handicrafts, with skill and patience, while outside it snowed, or men went to war.
A startling element in the composition is the blue and orange blaze above the prows of two boats: interspersed in between are the red kalyna berries. The Ukrainian folk life is irreplaceable and its beauty is celebrated through poetry and literature.