Exhibitions | melissamachnee

ArtPrize 2022 Title: 'Sanchira'

This sculpture is titled after my Ukrainian great grandmother, Sanchira Machnee. I am Ukrainian-American. At the onset of the invasion of Ukraine by Russia, my research of my Ukrainian roots revealed to me just how strong my great grandparents were. The Ukrainian culture is believed to be part of an ethnic culture dating back 5,000 years. It has endured oppressive borders throughout that time to this day. I dedicate this sculpture to all of my Ukrainian ancestors as a symbol that the Ukrainian culture lives within me, no matter where I am in the world. The egg is a common symbol in the Ukrainian culture that symbolizes resurrection. The drops are symbolic of the strength of the Ukrainian blood that has been shed and my tears for all of the Ukrainian lives that have been lost. Borders may change but I will Always be a Ukrainian, Never a Russian.