On February 24, 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine. The anger that I felt at this was soon replaced by a deep sadness at the unfolding humanitarian disaster. As an artist, I felt helpless. And aside from the usual things, like donating clothes, I did not know what I could do to help the people of Ukraine. In the spring I created a series of works with a unique Ukraine-inspired patina. The proceeds from their sale went directly to humanitarian aid organizations working in Ukraine. But this was not nearly enough.
By early summer I had resolved to make a bronze portrait of Volodymyr Zelenskiy that I would donate for sale at auction, with all the proceeds going to support humanitarian aid in Ukraine. I came across Ukrainian photographer Alexander Chekmenev‘s striking photo of the President (which you can see below) and I asked for Alexander’s permission to use his photo as a starting point, which I am very thankful he gave.
Creating this portrait was a long process. To be honest, it was a lot longer than I imaged when it all started. There was an added complexity in that the bronze ‘scales’ overlap, armour-like, and that no two (of over a thousand) are the same. The video at the bottom of this page shows a few glimpses of the process.
The portrait of Volodymyr Zelenskiy is made of 1096 pieces of individually patinated bronze scales and measures 112 x 112 cm including the iron frame.
It will be sold by auction during 2023. All the money raised will be donated to: Red Cross Ukraine, UNITED24 (medical aid) and Global Giving to support humanitarian work in Ukraine. Information about the auction date, as well as other updates, will be posted on this page.
To enquire about the portrait or the auction, please contact Marie Louise: ml@mlkold.com
More information can also be found on the PRESS page.
Unless otherwise stated, the photos on this page are by Emma Larsson.
