Mixed media encaustic on cradled birch board; (25cmx25cm)

In February 2022, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of the Ukraine, bringing it into a sharper focus on the global stage. Conflict has been ongoing between them since February 2014 when, following the Ukraine’s 'Revolution of Dignity', Russia annexed Crimea and supported pro-Russian separatists in the war in Donbas against government forces. However, the current invasion triggered a full-scale war.

‘DESTRUCTION: Innocence lost’ is the first artwork I have produced that touches on armed conflict, with the Russo-Ukrainian War as its focus. But, there are many ongoing armed conflicts going on around the world. Be it between two or more organized armed groups, governmental or non-governmental; civil insurgencies; and, drug wars. All connected by a large-scale loss of life.

This mixed media encaustic artwork ‘DESTRUCTION: Innocence lost’ has, as its central theme, the loss of the young - sons and daughters - be it as a physical human loss to the family; what they have had to flee and leave behind; what they have witnessed; and, the loss of childhood innocence. All casualties of war.