Untitled 2022

This drawing, made with what appears to be felt-tip pen by Alevtyna Kakhidze, captures a powerful moment of defiance in Henichesk, Ukraine, on February 26, 2022. The most striking symbol is the sunflower, laden with meaning. The sunflower has long been associated with Ukraine, and with the sun—of vitality and resistance. Here, the sunflower shifts from mere national symbol to a powerful statement against occupation. It's a motif reminiscent of ancient agrarian beliefs—the idea that life springs from death. The peasant's offering of seeds to the invaders echoes the cyclical nature of existence. The sunflower embodies hope and renewal amidst destruction. This simple, yet potent image, deeply ingrained in our collective consciousness, evokes profound emotional responses. It speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of symbolic gestures.