Untitled 1997

This is an oil painting by Alexander Roitburd, a contemporary artist of Ukrainian origin. It shows the female genitalia in a raw, unfiltered, and unapologetic manner. The vulva, historically charged with symbolic weight, becomes a focal point. Consider, for instance, the ancient Sheela na gigs of medieval Europe, where similar depictions were believed to ward off evil. Or the fertility goddesses of antiquity, their exaggerated features symbolizing life's generative power. Roitburd's painting evokes these primal images, tapping into our collective unconscious. Yet, here, the symbolism shifts. The black color and the dark mood creates the feeling of anguish or the potential death. It is as if it became a memento mori rather than a celebration of life. The emotional impact is undeniable, a visceral reaction that transcends mere representation. The artwork engages with the raw, untamed aspects of human existence. Thus, Roitburd’s work is part of a perpetual cycle. The symbol of the vulva evolves, transforming from a protective emblem to a symbol of anguish, reflecting the complex tapestry of human experience.