The painting is dedicated to a real person, Ivan, the defender of Mariupol, a soldier of the Armed Forces of Ukraine. Ivan was seriously wounded in the stomach in the battle in Mariupol, he was operated on in Azovstal, and he miraculously survived. Then Ivan ended up in Russian captivity, and later he was exchanged. I met Ivan in Truskavets, where he was undergoing rehabilitation. I am grateful to him for telling me his story.
This picture represents my lifelong gratitude to the soldiers who defended Ukraine, thanks to whom we are still alive. They make superhuman sacrifices, live in inhumane conditions, and fight with inhumans so that you and I can live.