Oleksandr Shatokhin

Self-portrait for Let’s Talk Durham

There are many ways to fight the oppressor. Ukrainian artist, Oleksandr Shatokhin, from Sumy, retaliates with his creative power. We asked him:

Are you and your family safe?

Yes. We are safe. After a two-month separation, my wife and child returned to Ukraine. We are all here together again.

What did war change in you?

I began to appreciate the moment, the present moment, and being alive. Also, this feeling of being Ukrainian has become stronger and stronger. I want to live in freedom and am motivated to do what I can to that end. The important things in my life have become more obvious: love, Ukraine, family. I am proud of our people every single day.

Animation for Let’s Talk Durham

Your illustrations are currently on the streets of Paris. France’s president, Emmanuelle Macron, is one of the voices that is pushing Ukraine to surrender its land to Russia in hopes to end the war. What would you say to him?

It is difficult to comment on such things. I want ideas like this to sink to the bottom of the sea, like the Russian warship Moskva. It must be understood that we cannot give up our lands for the sake of political games. It's just kind of stupid. It is difficult to accept when someone is trying to sit on two chairs at the same time, dictating how we should defend ourselves. Our land, our sovereignty, our freedom… all these things are non-transferable.

Oleksandr Shatokhin’s illustrations, part of Pictoric’s Project, Paris, France.

What is your most favorite illustration right now and why?

I recently wrote and illustrated a book set in the future, after the war, with a message of hope. These illustrations are important to me. I can't share them just yet, but the book is to be published by Staryi Lev Publishing House, so you can see all the illustrations there later.

What inspires you right now?

People. Ukrainians who are now doing just incredible and amazing things. It's inspiring. Glory to Ukraine!