Medium: Oil on Canvas
Dimensions: 24 x 30”
I wanted to paint something positive to show support for Ukraine. The gray background represents the darkness and grief of the current situation in Ukraine as well as the smoke from burning buildings and bombings. The sunflowers and butterfly are meant to counter the darkness. The sunflower is the national flower of Ukraine and has become a symbol of resistance against the invasion by Russian forces. Additionally, the butterfly is a symbol of transformation and hope and represents beauty and peace rising above the current terror. The butterfly is painted yellow and blue to match the colors of The Flag of Ukraine.
Many people of Ukraine are enduring extreme loss and heartache that I cannot even imagine…the loss of their homes, family members, and life as they knew it. But through the terror and heartache, they have shown immense strength, resilience and a fierceness that provides hope for the future, which is what I am trying to portray in this painting.
This piece was displayed at Lone Star College-University Park’s Picturing Change: An Activist Art Show in April 2022.