“CORRUPTION 1.0”

paper, gouache, pastel, charcoal, pencils

The artwork vividly portrays the theme of corruption during the war in Ukraine. At the center of the scene, an enormous, grotesquely fat corrupt official sits on a throne, wearing a pig mask with a halo above his head. This halo, traditionally a symbol of sainthood and purity, is used ironically to emphasize the moral decay and hypocrisy of the corrupt figure. Surrounding the throne is a chaotic mass of money and grasping hands, symbolizing the rampant greed and scramble for ill-gotten wealth.

On the wall behind the throne hangs a painting of Jesus, but it is disturbingly inverted, hanging upside-down. This inversion of a sacred image represents the perversion of values and the moral inversion brought about by corruption. It signifies a world turned upside down, where the sacred and moral are desecrated by greed.

In front of the corrupt official, a naked person sits submissively, handing over money. The nudity of this person symbolizes vulnerability, exploitation, and the stripping away of dignity and resources. This act of handing over money underscores the desperation and helplessness of those who are forced to give up everything to the corrupt powers.

Below this central tableau, the artwork transitions into the stark reality of war. Two soldiers are depicted in a moment of harrowing struggle—one is dragging the other across the ground, desperately trying to save his comrade's life. This poignant scene starkly contrasts with the opulence and greed above, highlighting the dire consequences of corruption. It illustrates how the corrupt siphon off resources meant for those fighting on the front lines, directly contributing to their suffering and peril.

The overall composition of the artwork uses powerful symbolism to critique the corruption that flourishes amidst the chaos of war. The pig mask and halo symbolize the grotesque masquerade of virtue, the inverted Jesus painting underscores the moral corruption, the naked figure represents exploitation, and the soldiers’ plight brings home the tragic human cost. Together, these elements create a compelling narrative that condemns the betrayal of those who suffer most for the sake of greed and corruption.