The Death of a State

By Rosie, Year 9

Size: 58cm x 41cm

Finished by: 13/06/2023

I present an artwork that commemorates and displays some of the different concepts of one of the reasons why the Soviet Union crumbled. Specifically, my artwork focuses on the 1986 nuclear disaster that occurred at the Vladmir Ilyich Lenin nuclear power station, more widely known as the 1986 Chernobyl nuclear accident. Through my artwork, I aimed to communicate my interest in this event and to display how I believe the Soviet Union would look now. The death of a state is a complex concept, and I believe that my artwork captures some of the nuances of this idea. By presenting my interpretation of the aftermath of the Chernobyl disaster, I hope to contribute to a deeper understanding of the factors that led to the downfall of the Soviet Union.

In this artwork, I focused on the use of light and dark tones to create a dynamic contrast. The purpose of utilising these tones was to highlight the deception that is present in the artwork. The light tones were not just bright and cheery, but also possessed a darker side. For instance, the sunflowers and border flowers were painted in light and bright colours but were surrounded by dark tones to make them stand out. The careful selection of these tones allowed me to create a sense of depth and intrigue in the artwork. By using light and dark tones in this way, I was able to create a piece that is both visually striking and thought-provoking.

In this work, I utilised a variety of media to create a piece inspired by the Chernobyl disaster. My primary materials included Kaisercraft paint collections, black inks, and grey lead pencils. Additionally, I employed a range of paper types to achieve the desired effect. Artwork paper served as the foundation for the main artwork, while cardboard paper was utilised for the pop-out signs. I also utilised normal printing paper to reproduce photos of the operators present in the Block Four control room. PVA wood glue and also glue sticks were also used throughout the process to stick down photos and pop out signs for the desired effects. Through the use of these materials, I was able to create a visually striking piece that effectively conveyed the gravity of the Chernobyl disaster.

In this work, I present a striking artwork that depicts the individuals involved in the Chernobyl disaster, namely Anatoly Stepanovich Dyatlov, Aleksandr Fyodorovich Akimov, Leonid Fedarovych Toptunov, and Anatoly Andreyevich Sitnikov. The inspiration behind this artwork stems from my observation that the topic of Chernobyl is often overshadowed by politics, and the individuals involved in the disaster are often forgotten. My aim was to shed light on the human impact of the Chernobyl disaster, particularly on the people of Pripyat.

Through my artwork, I hope to draw attention to the lasting effects of the Chernobyl disaster on the people and the environment. The use of bold colours and striking imagery serves to convey the severity of the situation, while also paying homage to the individuals who risked their lives to contain the disaster. I believe that art can serve as a powerful tool for raising awareness and promoting understanding of complex issues, and my artwork is a testament to this belief.

In this work, I explored the theme of the Chernobyl disaster and its aftermath. Specifically, I examined the overshadowing of the victims who perished during the incident. Despite the gravity of the situation, it is often overlooked due to the focus on the scientific aspects of the reactor and the Soviet Union's deception of the world.

Through the creation of artwork, I was able to dive deeper into this topic. The final product exceeded my expectations as it was influenced by various factors. These included my personal preferences for techniques, colours and tones, as well as trial and error. Such experiences allowed me to explore different paths and ultimately led to the successful completion of the artwork.

Overall, this work sheds light on an important issue that is often neglected. Through artistic expression, I was able to convey a message that may otherwise be overlooked. I hope that this work inspires further discussion and reflection on the Chernobyl disaster and its impact on society.