The Vision to the Youth Bartholomew 2008

Alexander Roitburd painted “The Vision to the Youth Bartholomew” with oil on canvas. The artwork depicts a squirrel and two birds which at first glance may appear to be a still life, but Roitburd gives it a unique twist. The subjects are presented as if they were a vision granted to the youth Bartholomew. Roitburd was a Ukrainian artist known for his politically charged works, and this piece is no exception. Painted in a post-Soviet context, the work can be interpreted as a critique of the corruption and disillusionment that pervaded Ukrainian society. The choice of animals is not arbitrary either; in Ukrainian folklore, each one has its own symbolic meaning. To fully appreciate Roitburd's work, one must delve into Ukrainian history, folklore, and the socio-political context of the time. Roitburd's art invites us to engage with a world far beyond the canvas.