Ukraine (Print)

Artist Bran Symondson’s contribution to the undertaking is a piece that pays homage to the Ukrainian flag while utilizing his iconic exotic Lapis-hued Morpho and flaxen Phoebis butterflies. The piece is consistent with his previous embellished AK-47 and then given a further layer of significance.

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Symondson guts the magazine to create a frame for the blown glass bullets, which are then loaded with often precious and sometimes graphic fillings that express the narrative of the pieces. In this case, the bullets contain Origami white doves, Rose Quartz and Citrine crystals. Yellow Sunflower Petals, being the national flower of Ukraine, and Blood, Oil, and Earth represent the age-old dispute over land.

The foremost significance of this is the origin of the weapon - Russia. The dichotomy is startling: a weapon that has such an intrinsic role in the Russian invasion is deftly engulfed by wings of delicate butterflies. It’s almost as disarming as the role art plays in the face of tragedy.

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