I, Elise Snoek, made this artwork with deep respect for the people of Ukraine. It is
an ode to the enormous strength and resilience that I have experienced, especially through various media.
The outbreak of war in Ukraine due to the Russian invasion has deeply shocked me. It is
almost unreal that people with similar lives like mine, from one to the next
moment in all the misery of personal loss, violence, destruction and even war crimes
ended up. And have to flee from their beloved country. Unfortunately, it is the reality.
Very quickly last year I saw the enormous power that was released among the population in Ukraine: enormous
care for each other and great courage and determination to defend this beautiful country. Residents
proved brave, tough and inventive and the Ukrainian armed forces remained rock solid and successful
to resist.
This enormous strength and resilience have been the inspiration for this artwork. It came
effortlessly out of my hands. And while I was still working on it, I decided that as soon as
the war is over and reconstruction is underway, I for two public locations in
Ukraine (to be determined, e.g. library, school, hospital, town hall) a colorful wall
donate, made by myself. My work consists of making decorative walls, built
with decorative stucco and usually provided with various layers of color. With this wall finish I can
bring some colour back to this beautiful country.
My original intention was to sell the diptych and donate the proceeds
to the Red Cross for the purpose of aiding Ukrainian refugees. Unfortunately, no
enough for the bids and I kept it to find a better destination for it. Now
I am very happy with that, because it allowed me to donate the artwork to the “Social Brigade” and
it has been given a beautiful place in the entrance of the Nescio shelter in Haren. In addition, I am very happy
and honored that the work will participate in the 2023 Liberation Festival in Groningen. I hope that it
may be of loving support to many displaced people from Ukraine and that they may feel seen and
feel respected.
My wish is that Ukraine will be liberated and safe as soon as possible, so that everyone who
this person can return to his or her motherland in peace.
With love and respect I greet you all.
Elise Snoek
