Camouflaging

Technique:
Oil on canvas
Year:
2022

The artwork series was created during the active phase of the Russia-Ukraine war. Camouflage netting is an expendable material used to put military equipment and fortifications out of sight. With the beginning of a full-scale invasion, volunteer organisations covering various needs of the military began to appear very rapidly. This applies to raising funds, purchasing and delivering the necessary means and equipment to the divisions, and producing the required items with one’s hands. One of the most popular support ways is the weaving of camouflage nets, which is performed manually. Pre-cut strips of special fabric are woven onto the stretched fishing net. The author became excited about this subject after the stories of his mother, who is volunteering in Kyiv after her return from evacuation in May 2002. She sent photos, told him how the process was going and shared her impressions. Several volunteers work on one net at the same time. After some time, each person gets used to reproducing a certain pattern that is comfortable for them. They become co-authors of the product, acquiring their signature. This makes them similar to artists and the net becomes a collective artwork. The colour range of the net is variable depending on the season. Warm shades of green and brown in spring and summer are replaced by cold shades of brown and grey in autumn and winter. The very process of masking is typical for animals. Most of them use it to protect their lives from predators. Just like the making camouflage nets by ordinary people from different social groups is perceived as something that will help save their lives. Ukraine is waging a defensive war, adapting to new conditions to preserve its territory.

Sasha Roshen. Camouflaging

Sasha Roshen. Camouflaging

Sasha Roshen. Camouflaging

Sasha Roshen. Camouflaging

Sasha Roshen. Camouflaging

Sasha Roshen. Camouflaging