I’ve always admired the idea of art as a calming, balanced presence. But in a world marked by tragedy, staying away from painful subject matter feels impossible.

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When my birth country, Russia, invaded Ukraine, it felt like a part of my soul was torn away. In response, I created visually soothing work that, on closer look, reveals human suffering. My aim was never to dwell in despair, but to offer proximity, strength, and light.