"Pacifism Kills"
Linocut on a sheet of paper, 2022
Original size: 14,5cm x 14,5cm.
The work is called "Pacifism Kills", and its essence is revealed by the title.
In this simple poster-style work I depicted two popular symbols of peace which do not save us from blood, but lead us to it when we faced with it. For me, on February 24 of 2022, pacifism died. Like many others in Ukraine, I adhered to pacifistic ideas, believing in a better world without wars. But the events that took place after the invasion led me to a kind of maturation, a rethinking of values, and a realization that pacifism is a privilege and a comfortable position, which, unfortunately, cannot always be maintained, especially when the invaders come to your home to kill you, your family, your friends, your city, and your culture.
In this simple poster-style work I depicted two popular symbols of peace which do not save us from blood, but lead us to it when we faced with it. For me, on February 24 of 2022, pacifism died. Like many others in Ukraine, I adhered to pacifistic ideas, believing in a better world without wars. But the events that took place after the invasion led me to a kind of maturation, a rethinking of values, and a realization that pacifism is a privilege and a comfortable position, which, unfortunately, cannot always be maintained, especially when the invaders come to your home to kill you, your family, your friends, your city, and your culture.
So my pacifism has died. There is still terrible events exists in our world, and we should deal with them to really make a better world happened. Nowadays, "pacifism" used as an excuse, as a shield from reflection, as a salvation for their illusions, as instrument of victim-blaming.
Pacifism is a great idea. But, like cigarettes, sometimes it kills.
Pacifism is a great idea. But, like cigarettes, sometimes it kills.
2022
