Old Fortresses 2003

Dmytro Kavsan painted this watercolor, titled 'Old Fortresses,' sometime in the 21st century. Kavsan, born in Ukraine, carries within him the complex history of a nation marked by shifting borders and cultural identities. The watercolor evokes a sense of memory, a romantic, almost wistful glance towards the past. The fortresses, rendered in gentle strokes, seem to emerge from the landscape. They represent the intersection of power, culture, and history, silent witnesses to the ebb and flow of human existence. Consider the role of architecture in shaping identity. Fortresses stand as symbols of both protection and dominance, reflecting societal structures of power. Kavsan’s soft brushwork softens their imposing presence, hinting at the vulnerability inherent in all human constructs. The painting prompts reflection on how we engage with history. Does it serve as a foundation or a burden? Kavsan invites us to contemplate the layers of meaning embedded in these old fortresses, and perhaps, recognize echoes of the past in our present.