EXISTENCE
series, 2023

"EXISTENCE" is a deeply personal micro-series of three paintings that explores my evolving understanding of self and identity as a Ukrainian Jew. Created during a time of profound introspection, these works reflect my connection to cultural heritage, traditions, and the threads that weave together a sense of belonging.  

 

The series unfolds as a dialogue between the past and the present, with each piece offering a moment of reflection:  

 

"Impalpable Breath" intertwines a delicate yellow star with an unfinished Ukrainian cross-stitch, symbolizing the fragility and resilience of traditions passed down through generations.  

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"Emptiness" presents a solitary Menorah in an empty room, its quiet presence evoking themes of absence, memory, and the enduring significance of what remains.  

 

The final painting "Existence" introduces warmth and renewal. A hand lights Sabbath candles, their glow reflected in a mirror where someone stitches a traditional Ukrainian ornament. This imagery captures the coexistence of two rich heritages and the responsibility to preserve and nurture them, ensuring their vitality for the future.  

 

Through these works, I reflect on the interconnectedness of identity, history, and culture. They are an invitation to consider how tradition shapes the present and inspires the journey forward.