Maryna Sologub, a Ukrainian artist specialising in decorative knitted toys, has won first place in the juried exhibition and competition at the Charlotte International Arts Festival. Her work, a doll called Defender, symbolises Ukraine's struggle for freedom by combining military and peaceful elements.
The artist wrote on Facebook.
"My dolls tell the current reality of Ukraine: at war, burned and destroyed, but undefeated. And the desire for peace and the desire to preserve its ancient roots", Sologub said.
Maryna Sologub is an artist who crochets decorative toys. Born and raised in Ukraine, she was forced to leave her country and move to the United States with her family because of the war.
She has lived in Charlotte, North Carolina for almost two years. She is a graphic designer by profession, and knitting has become a hobby to help her cope with the challenges of this difficult time. Her work reflects her sadness for her native Ukraine, its culture and traditions.
At the festival, the artist presented a doll, a burnt military uniform decorated with flowers and Ukrainian ornaments, a reminder of the strength of the Ukrainian people's spirit.
The artist plans to donate her prize money to support Ukrainian soldiers and volunteers and to the charity Charlotte for Ukraine.
Author: Danylo Pievchev