OLGA AND ANASTASIIA BLUDOVA (2023)

Family unity and inspiration – With a background in wall murals in Ukraine and international art sales, Olga Bludova has now made her mark on Flekkefjord and Norway. Budova is happy that she can continue to engage in her interest in art here in Norway. This is true both through the street art she has created here in Flekkefjord and in other ways. She teaches a rosemaling (traditional Norwegian decorative painting) course at the Flekkefjord Museum and volunteers at the Red Cross, where she teaches both painting and other forms of art. Bludova says that the most important thing for her is what art can give to others. She wants to give inspire others to create their own art. When she was asked to create street art in Flekkefjord, her husband Roman helped paint large parts of the wall, her son Anton provided paint and helped with the lift, while her daughter Anastasiia painted details, along with her mother.

GIRL AND BIRDS (2023)

The profound and beautiful work "Girl and birds" can be found at Strandgaten 3, in the city centre of Flekkefjord. In the middle of the traditional city core, a Ukrainian woman shines as a powerful icon of resistance and strength. The portrait is a tribute to female power and a reminder of the indomitable spirit of the Ukrainian people. This year's theme is "courage." The artist explains what she was thinking when she and her family created the work:

"We wanted to convey the emotions of a Ukrainian woman. Not despair and pain, but inner strength and a glimpse into a bright future. The birds around the woman symbolize freedom, peace, kindness, compassion, and the connection to something higher," says Olga Bludova.

She explains that the picture is adorned with red ribbons that remind them of their experience, lineage, history, and modern life, about their losses and victories, about dignity and courage. The picture is a reminder that even in the face of challenges and trials, hope shines brightly before us.

Curator: Smaabyen Flekkefjord.