LAVA

LAVA

This artwork explores the notion of resource and draws inspiration from the way lava, once destructive and uncontrollable, eventually cools and solidifies to form new land. In much the same way, wounds — both physical and emotional — can lead to new growth and transformation. My tapestry reflects this idea, drawing a parallel between the formation of new landscapes from lava and the process of healing after trauma.

The theme is deeply tied to my personal experience of becoming a war refugee and finding a new life abroad. I reflect on war, the history of conflicts, and how resources are used as a pretext for invasion, raising the question: what is so valuable that countless lives should be destroyed for it?

The colour palette represents blood on soil – a reminder of the human cost of war. The fabric gaps symbolise physical wounds and emotional trauma caused by war, displacement and political chaos, while the weave surrounding them speaks of resilience and strength to heal. Just like the Earth, which forms new layers after volcanic eruptions, people too can regenerate after destruction.

I use thrifted, discarded yarns of natural and synthetic fibres in my art practice to raise awareness about sustainability and highlight the potential to transform waste into something meaningful. Textile waste, often overlooked, holds the potential for new life and creation. In the same way, I believe our approach to resources should extend beyond material goods to include human life itself. Instead of seeking power through conquest or accumulation, we should focus on creating a world where life and community is valued above all, and where we prioritise healing, rebuilding, and the responsible use of resources — both human and natural.

This tapestry is inviting the viewer to think about the true cost of war and how we can transform our pain into something new.

2022-2023
97 x 123 cm
Anastasiia  Stefaniuk

Anastasiia Stefaniuk

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