The artworks within the "More Pain to Come" series are deeply connected to my personal experiences with war in Ukraine. They serve as visceral reactions to the loss of the beautiful world I once knew during my childhood and teenage years. these pieces also reflect my keen observations of the birth of a new world, one that is absurd, cruel, and terribly brutal.
In this haunting new reality, everything I hold dear vanishes - my home, my family, my friends, my memories, and and even my own sense of self.
Entire collection of graphics:
As part of my master's thesis, I crafted a series of 9 graphics using the drypoint technique. Among these works, two of the largest graphics measure 100x70 cm, while the remaining pieces are sized at 50x70 cm. The most intimate among them and also the smallest one is a portrait of my father, currently serving in the army, which measures 35x50 cm.
The central theme of this project delves into the reality of war and its impact on personal experiences. The characters depicted in the graphics, although symbolic, are rooted in real stories. Some of these narratives strike closer to home, like the relics belonging to my father or his portrait I've captured.
Here is a link to the project website, but unfortunately or not, everything is in Polish:
And that is how real life presentation looked like
I have showed it in my university basement: dark, discouraging, but still holding a special place in my heart.
Process of creation:
Some random images to feel the vibe of me making graphics:
I had also interviewed my father, so here is a video of me working and him speaking about the first days of war:
To sum up, I'm not certain whether my artworks truly encapsulate the tragedy of Ukrainians, the pain within my family, or even my personal struggles. I have spent a lot of time just etching alone and waiting for miracles that never materialized. A lot of things changed from the time I started my one year journey, but I'm grateful for the fact that I was there, experiencing everything I could, and for everything I didn't experience.
Some of my artworks have found their way into exhibitions in Poland and beyond. So, if you can connect with my characters on an emotional level and do not stay distant, I consider my mission accomplished. Anyway, more pain is yet to come.
Thank you.
