Arhistratig
Archangel Michael — Protector of Kyiv
Archangel Michael — Protector of Kyiv
The idea of the picture came on the ninth day of the war. Kyiv was constantly bombarded then. The sketch was created for a long time, constantly refined, and only on May 20 did work on the canvas begin. From the idea to the final, 9 months passed (symbolically). A new reality through the picture was created by December 4, 2022.
The initial idea came immediately — it is the protection of Archangel Michael for Kyiv (and all of Ukraine). The all-seeing eye from above, the hands of Oranta, the Lavra on the shield, the boy (as the future) and the red viburnum as another symbol of indomitability gradually appeared.
The final size of the actual work came out as… 55 cm wide (maximum width on the loom) and 125 cm long. To date, this is my most extensive work. The idea demanded such proportions.
When I moved to the endless sky, I thought that it was worth "closing the sky." I started looking for information about the various symbols of protection that are in Ukrainian embroidery, and in general the world's talismanic symbols. This is how "I will close the sky" — the infinity and the quadrilateral as a network of protection. Any evil gets confused in infinity. A quadrangle is a connection between worlds.
It was my way of closing the sky over Ukraine. Everyone has their own weapon. For me, these are meanings that are sewn into a picture and thus create a new reality. The protection of the sky was finished by 24.08.2022 — Independence Day.
When everything was at the level of a sketch, I thought: well, I laid such large parts of the Sky in vain… There will be no details, and it will be boring in the process. But — in the whole picture there is not a single centimetre of boring, unrealized part. Especially in Heaven.
In the sky to the shield, for example, protection is sewn (this was until August 24, Independence Day). Transformation is sewn into the sky above the Archistratig. And I couldn't even imagine before how detailed the Sky can be… Now I imagine.
Archangel Michael, a warrior angel, deputy of the military and protector from all evil, is traditionally considered the heavenly patron of Kyiv. In times of trials and tribulations, the light of his flaming sword eventually chased away the darkness, no matter how impenetrable it seemed.
The Archistratig's sword is lowered, as on the ancient coat of arms of the Kyiv Voivodeship, but the eyes are burning, the wings are rising and reaching the heavens, the shield with the Lavra is on the alert…
In these difficult times, I really wanted to make the protection, which, I have no doubt, the Archistratig provides to Kyiv and all of Ukraine, even more large-scale and tangible.
The all-seeing eye in my work is not some Masonic symbol, or one that has been actively used in Orthodox iconography since the 17th century. This is the image of the All-seeing God and at the same time the Sun, which in the Indian tradition has the meaning of Deva Chaksu, that is, the eye of God.
Our Lady of Oranta, the Immovable Wall, is also the patron saint of Kyiv. Her hands from the image in Saint Sophia Cathedral — another additional circle of protection. As well as the faces of the saints who always watch over all of us.
The city is depicted schematically, but I hope you will recognize both Podil and the new, as yet unfinished Podilsko-Voskresensky bridge. And, of course, the Dnipro, which embraces the city with a blue ribbon…
The temples in the work are St. Sophia Cathedral, St. Michael's Golden-Domed Monastery (in honor of Archangel Michael) and the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra depicted on the shield. Bright violets on the way to the bell tower of St. Sophia Cathedral — from a photo taken in April 2022.
The little Ukrainian in the work is the boy Leo. The same one who covered the famous song "Oy u luzi chervona kalyna" and became a star of social networks. He conquered me too. This is exactly his image — like the image of the future in the picture.
By the way, if you look closely, you will see that the face of the Archistratig is also the face of the boy Leo. But already an adult.
And, of course, spring in all its diversity is also my feeling of Ukraine and my sincere belief that life, spring and Ukraine will definitely win.
Of course, we cannot forget those who helped and inspired throughout this time. Not only the spirit and resilience of Ukrainians, not only the unwavering faith in Victory and a bright blossoming future of Ukraine. Not only the help and inspiration that the bright images I turned to in my work gave all this time, largely guiding the course of creation.
Also, for example, the amazing Oliver, who sometimes came to visit me on vacation and very actively took part in the process.
Creating reality. Working process
