President and CEO, Rogers Communications Inc. oil on canvas, 40“x84“, Toronto, 2004
As President Volodymyr Zelenskyy faces the immense pressures and responsibilities of leading his country in war, he remains calm and resolute, determined to defend his people. He is an inspiration to his people and to the world. Inspired by the courage and leadership that Zelenskyy is showing in this crisis, I decided to paint a portrait of him, titled “ The Face of Courage ”. ( See attached.) The map of Ukraine has been superimposed on his face with the besieged capital, Kyiv located within a teardrop under his right eye. The attack on Ukraine has galvanized national solidarity, Zelenskyy has become one with his country and it’s people. The lines of his country’s map are now etched into his face. The Colors of the Ukrainian flag are represented here in the two halves of the painting: the yellow part depicts The President in military attire, ready for battle, while the right half shows him in business attire a seen in peaceful times. The juxtaposition of the two halves underscores the violent and sudden switch which all Ukrainians have had to face being plunged into war. The blue half was under painted in red so that some of this colour can be seen through the blue brush strokes that make up Zelenskyy’s face, not unlike the blood of those who have lost their lives in this tragic and horrific war. The normalcy of peacetime with its clear line of distinction as shown by the two halves has become blurred as some of the blue leaches into the yellow half and visa versa. The yellow - military persona although stoic and unyielding, shows only the smallest evidence of stress, namely the lines of the map, which appear as tiny cracks in his countenance of courage. This vulnerability makes The President human, and stronger for it.
This portrait will be auctioned off by Waddington’s for their Ukraine Benefit. Register to bid by visiting Waddingtons.ca. Bidding begins April 9 and runs to the 14th. All proceeds go to Ukrainians in need.
If you wish to see the portrait in person it will be on display in City Hal for a short time, contact me for details.