"Crosses"

2015 Mixed media textile artwork, 100x100, 200x130 cm

 

In this piece, I explore the omnipresent symbol of the cross in Ukrainian culture, particularly as it relates to our current societal tensions and the looming threat of war. The work stems from my personal compulsion to depict crosses, a urge that has intensified with the growing sense of impending conflict. I've chosen to work with textiles and mixed media to connect with Ukraine's rich tradition of embroidery and handicrafts. The piece incorporates elements of cross-stitch, appliqué, and other textile techniques, creating a layered and textured surface that invites closer inspection.The crosses in my work serve multiple symbolic functions. They represent the crosses we place on graves, a somber reminder of mortality and loss. They also recall the tradition in Ukrainian villages of erecting crosses at the entrance and exit of settlements - a custom largely lost in urban areas. Through this artwork, I attempt to revive and recontextualize this tradition, bringing it into dialogue with contemporary concerns.The composition is deliberately ambiguous, allowing viewers to see either a scattered array of crosses or perhaps a landscape dotted with these symbolic markers. This ambiguity reflects the uncertain times we live in, where familiar symbols take on new and sometimes unsettling meanings.By working with traditional techniques and symbolism, I aim to create a bridge between our cultural heritage and our current reality. The piece invites reflection on how we maintain our traditions in the face of modernization and conflict, and how these traditions might evolve to help us navigate uncertain futures.Ultimately, "Crosses" is my artistic response to the complex emotions and cultural dynamics at play in Ukraine today. It's an attempt to find meaning and continuity in our traditions while acknowledging the shadows that loom over our present moment.

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