I had this idea long time ago - to make a bird or a group of birds that would represent migrants and refugees. I experienced what immigration means and feels. It was hard despite I and my family wanted to immigrate. Since 2022, when I worked with displaced people from Ukraine, I met what does it mean to be a refugee (despite UN does not give them this status) - when you have to leave your country despite your will to stay. The flying birds seeking for a place for new nesting: that's how I would image those running souls.
Nuit Blanche
The theme of Nuit Blanche 2024 was exact match for my project: bridging distance between two worlds. One world with home, everything you love and your past is left behind. Another world, unknown, with hope and fears is before. And you have to connect them by your flight.
Leleka
Leleka means Stork bird in Ukrainian. People believe, it brings blessings and luck to whose roof it choose to nest. I find it very symbolic when I look at Leleka as a prototype of migrants or refugees. The Bible call the God as a God of refugees, and people should help them.
A Symphony of Colors and Symbols
I worked a few months on the sculpture. It is my first large papier mache work. All I did before were smaller. But together with my husband, we made a base with pipes, covered by metal mesh and paper. The figure must be disassembled into parts for transferring into the place. I covered the bird by ancient Ukrainian symbols we use for making Pysankas, the Ukrainian Easter eggs.
My part of fight
For me, working on this project is not only rising the theme of migration and support of refugees. It is a part of my fight for my culture when it is in a threat by russian empire. I don't know how many Western people see it this way. We are trying to survive as a nation against big and ugly empire.
I am happy to discover the meaning of the old symbols and blow up new life in them. I am happy they can be used for delivering a blessing message like they did during centuries. I hope, my work will bring some comfort and encouragement at least to some people on their migration path. I am happy that my culture can be blessing for others despite all lies sent by our enemies.
What will be tomorrow?
One day left to Nuit Blanche. Am I worried? Of course :) It is my first time there. Will see how it will go!
Unravel the mystery. Embrace the magic. Discover Leleka.
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