04/02/2022
“Shades of Life”, acrylic on canvas, 90 x 60 cm (36×24 inch), 2020
The painting was commissioned by a New York client.
Where were we before we were born? What do we remember about that state?
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Where will we be after we die? What is out there?
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For me, both of these conditions are the darkness of nothingness. A place where there is no light. After death, we will find ourselves in the same state of non-existence where we were before birth.
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And between these two states of nonexistence and darkness, we have our life.
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It can be grey, filled with automatic actions, vanity, anxieties, fears and doubts. It can be painful, tough, or just boring.
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But we always have present. And if we can stop for a second, truly realize this moment, we can see inexplicable beauty. Life will blossom in front of us in all its shades and we will be able to enjoy it.
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Even if we are standing in a traffic jam, driving crazy with our neighbour’s construction, suffering from illness, even if life has become completely unbearable, as long as we have our body and consciousness - we have the opportunity to feel the expressions of life. Any or almost any living is better than nonexistence, because there is nothing before birth and after death at all. Therefore, we must be more attentive to every second of our unique lives.
Accepting the value of life is the key that brings an understanding that without our effort, death will defeat us. The vivid future in this endless battle - is in our hands. Whatever humankind fights: pandemics, racism, or ageing - the main significance is the life of each of us.
For me, there is only one scenario - Life must prevail.
That's what my painting is all about.