Self Portrait 

Vasyl Kasiyan’s self-portrait in black and white is an intimate look at the artist, surrounded by symbolic images of conflict. In the background, soldiers march and a figure raises a flag, alluding to themes of revolution and national identity. The artist holds tools in his hands, a symbolic representation of his craft intertwined with the historical events unfolding around him. It reminds me of the ancient motif of the artist as creator, a demiurge shaping reality. Think of Prometheus, molding mankind from clay, or the medieval artisan, whose work was seen as a reflection of divine creation. Here, Kasiyan aligns himself with this tradition, his art a powerful force amidst the turmoil. The intense gaze of the artist evokes a feeling of deep contemplation, an emotional intensity that transcends the image itself. The act of creating art is a symbolic echo of larger cultural forces, where the emotional and psychological landscape is reflected in the visual symbols we leave behind. Just as in a dream, where symbols carry hidden meanings, the act of the artist in turbulent times becomes a powerful expression.