24/08/2024
We are glad to present you with one of several decorative war art that will be auctioned off at our next event.
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HIMARS missile case lid by Alina Sivokin (original art by Sofia Kravchuk).
The HIMARS artillery rocket system was used to great effect in the first months of the invasion of Ukraine in spring 2022, as the Ukrainian army bombarded the occupiers’ military equipment and personnel stationed at Chornobaivka in the Kherson region of southern Ukraine. Despite the destruction of their equipment, Russians again moved to set up a base at Chornobaivka airfield, and again the Ukrainian army attacked. This happened a third, fourth, and ultimately a remarkable 21(!) times, resulting in Chornobaivka gaining mythical status among defenders as the site where the invaders had been repeatedly routed. Victory at Chornobaivka gave Ukrainian morale a massive boost and many Ukrainians saw Chornobaivka as representing their entire country, symbolizing the collapse of Russia's invasion strategy in 2022.
The name of the village and airfield became a popular war meme for Ukrainians. Chornobaivka was glorified in songs and images with Ukrainians turning to black humor as they watched Russian forces flying into the base again and again, taking ever-increasing losses.
Despite the deadly purpose of HIMARS missiles, Alina Sivokin has transformed this case lid into an object of beauty. Her interpretation of an award-winning painting by the young Ukrainian artist Sofia "Dream" encapsulates Ukraine’s victory over the invader and art’s victory over war and destruction.
You have an opportunity to bid for this unique item, painted by an artist whose husband is on the frontline, which helped in the attacks on the invader at Chornobaivka. The proceeds from the auction will go towards raising money for a vehicle needed for his unit.
