Banners for Everyday Battles
Gouache on used home textile, 2023 - …
The following battle banners are made of old blankets and duvet covers that I received from my grandmother and from my mother when I was moving out to live independently. The objects of home textile since ancient times have been traditional dowries that a young woman received from the older women of her family when she left home (most often to get married). Typically this kind of textile was associated with the patriarchal understanding of «femininity» – and thus with something «secondary», «down-to-earth» and not worthy of any serious perception. Many artists and activists reflecting on the topic of gender equality and gender-based abuse have been deconstructing this stereotype in their works over the past decades. Following and developing their methods, I transferred my home textile from their usual and «inherent» role of something bringing coziness, warmth and domestic atmosphere to the sphere of military and protest symbolics. Also reflecting on the fact that many women are still deprived of the media and platforms for speaking out, so that they have to use the resources available to them at the moment, which most of the time turn out to be the household-keeping, beauty, female hygiene objects etc.
«…A blanket with nice floral ornament or a tender pink duvet cover – none of them were meant to become battle banners, but they did when the time has come. As anyone of us can (and often has to) become a fearless warrior when it’s time to fight for our right, dignity, freedom and life. And at this moment, anything may turn into our battle banner, anything may turn into our sword or spear – so that we take them both in our hands and rush with all the power of rage and love in the counter attack to take back what rightfully belongs to us…»
«…Word of the year – “KONTRNASTUP” (from Ukrainian language, the language of freedom, it means “counter offensive”). Kontrnastup is hope – that the justice will prevail, that everything and everyone will be brought back, that all the criminals will be punished, all the victims avenged and all the heroes honored. Any aggressor, any abuser, anyone who violates the rights of other people to live, love, work and die in peace, freedom and dignity – should always be fought back. Otherwise, the evil will return to finish what it started, but it will return even more strong, insidious and cruel than before. We defended ourselves, we stopped them from moving forward – but using only shield is never enough. After parrying a blow with a shield, you must strike back with your own sword, you must cut the evil’s head and cauterize the wound to make sure it will never grow anew. Shield is never enough. Time for the sword. And I speak not only about the war. That’s why I borrow the word “Kontrnastup” as the motto for the next stage of my life…»
«…I am taking back my power, which I used to hide, so as not to frighten the weaker ones with it. I am taking back my voice, which I used to hold back for those who only speak in whispers. I am taking back my anger, which I used to suppress because of my fear of being abandoned.
To all my past, present and future selves, with gratitude. To all women of my family through the ages and to all my sisters worldwide – with solidarity, compassion and love.…»
In remembrance of all women of the past, who’s suffering wasn’t in vain. In solidarity with all the women of the present, who’s bravery and resilience inspire. With love for all the women of the future, who won’t have to go through any sufferings, and won’t need to develop resilience anymore – because the world we leave to them, I hope, will be a much better place than it used to be for us.