“Paradise Garden” (Diptych, 2022)

This vibrant diptych, titled Paradise Garden, was created in 2022 after I returned to my home city of Kharkiv. Having been forced to leave due to the outbreak of war, I came back four months later filled with renewed energy and an overwhelming sense of joy at being home again. Despite the constant shelling and danger, I painted these works in the corridor of my home, determined to channel every bit of positivity I felt into my art.

The exuberant brushstrokes and rich palette capture the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. Swirls of bright reds, blues, and greens evoke the idea of an idyllic garden—a powerful contrast to the harsh reality just outside. Each layer of paint resonates with the hope, relief, and creative surge I experienced in that moment. Ultimately, Paradise Garden stands as a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire hope and beauty, even in the most challenging circumstances.