Original artwork description:

The oldest material for painting and writing is a scroll. The only form of painting that can be rolled up and taken in hand luggage.
In Chinese culture, there is no division between spirit and matter - that's why I chose this traditional material. Moreover, it is impossible to make any sketches or preliminary drawings on rice paper - the eraser damages the paper, and any movement of the brush with paint is instantly imprinted on it. A brush frozen for a second on paper turns into a puddle that cannot be corrected. This is a very emotional technique and unpredictable. Just like life.

I'm from Ukraine and the war continues, every day someone's life is destroyed. In this series, I combine destroyed houses in Ukraine and medicinal plants - wild, those that grow in almost every yard. And we all healed wounds with them in childhood. In the occupied territories, this is sometimes the only option for medicine.
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The series "Overgrow but cannot heal" is a contemplative exploration of the human spirit's enduring capacity to find hope, healing, and renewal even in the face of devastating circumstances. Combining the imagery of destroyed houses in Ukraine, a symbol of the country's recent turmoil, with the familiar and potent presence of wild medicinal herbs, the series encapsulates the essence of survival, resilience, and the innate connection between people and their land.

Artistic Approach:
The series comprises a collection of Chinese scroll paintings that seamlessly blend traditional techniques with a modern narrative. Each scroll presents a scene of a war-ravaged house, capturing the eerie stillness of destruction. The houses, once symbols of stability, are now witnesses to upheaval. The details of the architecture and surrounding landscape are meticulously rendered, reflecting the essence of both traditional and contemporary painting.
Amidst the ruins, wild medicinal herbs emerge with an air of quiet strength. These herbs, cherished by Ukrainians for generations for their healing properties, offer a poignant juxtaposition to the destruction.

Themes Explored:

Resilience Amidst Destruction: The juxtaposition of ruined houses and thriving medicinal herbs serves as a testament to the indomitable human spirit. It reflects the ability of people to endure and adapt, even in the most challenging circumstances.

Heritage and Healing: The presence of wild medicinal herbs draws on the deep-rooted Ukrainian tradition of using these plants for their healing properties. This theme highlights the significance of connecting with cultural heritage as a source of strength and sustenance.

The Land's Voice: The series embodies the spirit of the land itself, reflecting its capacity for regeneration and renewal. It speaks to the inextricable link between people and their environment, especially during times of turmoil.

Memory and Hope: The scenes of destroyed houses act as memories of a turbulent past, while the emerging herbs symbolize the potential for a brighter future. The juxtaposition between the two evokes a sense of hope even in the face of adversity.

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The painting is carefully packed and will be delivered to you by international courier service within 4-7 days, depending on your destination.

NOTE: The images in-home settings might not be to scale, and serve for illustration purposes only.

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Materials used:

rice paper, charcoal, pencils, watercolor, scroll

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