Subliminal Stories
Having immigrated to the United States at the age of four, my experiences since have been a deliciously intertwined blend of my Ukrainian heritage mixed with the eclectic energy of NYC. Both cultures shaped and influenced me, and subtle notes of each can be found intricately strewn within my art and myself.
In Ukraine, as early as the 5th century B.C., stories were told through the elaborate embroidery stitched onto one's clothing. The stitches indicated things such as the region one came from, or the status of wealth. Black and red were, and to this day remain the most commonly used colors. If one wished to flaunt a variety of dyes, then resources local to the environment were scoured and used. These included but were not limited to such things as berries, flowers, bark, etc. If beads were strewn throughout the linens then this indicated wealth, as it meant you could splurge on the extravagant detail. Ukrainian embroidery also held superstitious roots, with many believing that specific stitches protected you from harm.
The culture of New York isn't much different. New Yorkers share the stories of their lives through art too — whether it be via the graffiti sprayed across the five boroughs or the shoes on their feet. For me, the city block has always been a powerful source of inspiration. Abundant with a fusion of cultures, I find myself surrounded by something relatable. We are each a unique blend of our influences and experiences. Wishing to belong; to assimilate into the land we call home. Yet living in harmony with this desire is our innate identity — defined by our cultural paths.
And so we find ourselves spreading our roots into this new world, flashing pride where and when we can.
The NYC block transcends reality, possessing the power of transporting one across the world. Fusion restaurants; local spice markets; bodegas where you can hear simultaneous arguments in different languages. The world exists on the block and if you look closely, you'll see the artistry seeping out. It all represents the stories that we hope to tell the world — the story of ourselves and who we are today, and that of our ancestors and who they were before us.
These photos help tell a piece of my story. Each image features the vyshyvanka, an embroidered linen piece handmade in Ukraine. Set against the backdrop of the city block and styled along with vintage pieces, these images reflect a part of my identity.
