Angels 1988

Editor: Oleg Holosiy's 1988 painting, "Angels," renders these winged figures in oil and possibly watercolor, I'd say it projects a slightly somber, even melancholic, feeling. What can you tell us about its symbolism? Curator: These ethereal beings, mirroring each other, immediately call to mind classical and religious iconography. Notice how they're rendered, though—they appear almost mournful, faces averted or obscured, their forms fading into the earthy background. Do you think that the artist might be portraying angels not as harbingers of divine intervention, but as witnesses to human suffering? Editor: That's a really interesting take! The single star below does suggest perhaps that they witnessed some catastrophic event. I had not considered they might not be celebratory figures, even though their dark coloring seemed odd. Curator: Precisely. Color always carries weight. Holosiy worked during a period of significant upheaval in Eastern Europe; is it possible he's using this classical, celestial imagery to explore themes of loss, memory, and a yearning for something beyond earthly struggles? Notice, too, the androgynous depiction; angels aren't gendered. They might represent collective sorrow, a shared spiritual experience during troubled times. Editor: I can see it. Considering the context, they become figures of empathy rather than just divinity. Is there a Ukrainian artistic tradition for depicting angels in unconventional ways? Curator: Eastern European religious icon painting and folk traditions heavily influence much Ukrainian modern and contemporary art. Consider, too, the psychology of facing trauma: shared expressions or rituals such as mourning can provide catharsis or strength. Here Holosiy provides us the mirror by which we reflect these archetypal symbols of care and protection. Editor: This has given me a completely new lens through which to interpret this painting. The history and symbolic meaning are powerful. Curator: Indeed. Symbols possess a long and constantly evolving memory of cultural hope and loss.