Angel of Warsaw
Kyra F.
Watercolor, Gouache, Wood
-
My piece commemorates the courage and compassion of Irena Sendler, a Polish social worker during World War II. Although she practiced Christianity, her empathy drew her to help others regardless of their religious beliefs. Known to many as the “Angel of the Warsaw,” she smuggled over 2,500 children out of the ghetto and situated them with non-Jewish families to protect them from the Nazis. For each child she saved, she recorded their original Jewish name along with their new name on slips of paper which she protected in buried jars. Using her records, she reunited many children with their families. In this piece I explored using watercolor and gouache on wood. Wood is very absorbent, which made the watercolor unpredictable, but I was able to obtain more vibrancy and control by using gouache. I wanted wood grain texture to show through in specific areas, so much of my process consisted of layering watercolor and watered down gouache. Inspired by the radial symmetry of Art Nouveau pieces, I used rings to depict Sendler in a virtuous light. In flower language, yellow tulips symbolize hope and new beginnings, much like the hope Irena Sendler brought to the families of Warsaw. The red poppies represent remembrance, which Sendler deserves. The budding poppies symbolize Sendler's compassion, which the world can always use.
-
Creativity is the ability to express yourself, tell stories, and inspire change through your art form.
