Art as a weapon and therapy: Anton Pedos on war, creativity and the artist's duty

Марійка Дзюба
Sep 30, 2024
7 min read

Updated: Dec 6, 2024

In the cozy Lithuanian city of Vilnius, among the ancient streets and modern galleries, Ukrainian artist Anton Pedos lives and works. His story is not just about a talented artist.

This is a story about the power of art in times of war, about the artist's responsibility to society, and about how love for the Motherland can be manifested through creativity even thousands of kilometers away from home.

From craft to thinking: the path of an artist's development

Anton was born in Zhmerynka, Vinnytsia region, the city that became the cradle of his artistic career. From an early age, he showed an interest in drawing, but his real breakthrough came in his teens.

In the 9th grade, I was just carried away, Anton recalls with a smile. - I painted day and night, non-stop. It was like a revelation - I realized that art was my calling.

Art as a weapon and therapy: Anton Pedos on war, creativity and the artist's duty / photo: Maria Dziuba

This passion led him to the Lviv National Academy of Arts, where he studied arts and crafts, particularly ceramics.

In Lviv, I gained fundamental knowledge about the craft, says Anton. - But after graduation, I felt that I wanted to develop further, to focus on painting.

The Lviv period was an important stage in the formation of Anton as an artist. He learned the basics of technique, developed his skills, and met many talented people.

However, he felt that he needed something more than just technical skills.

A new look at art: studying in Lithuania

2020 was a turning point in Anton's life. He won an international grant to study in Vilnius, which opened up new horizons for him.

It was a great success for me,” the artist admits. - I studied for free and received a scholarship. But most importantly, I got the opportunity to look at art from a different perspective.

The transition from the Ukrainian to the Lithuanian art education system was a real culture shock for Anton.

In Lviv, you are taught a craft, while in Vilnius you are taught to think. This is a significant difference,” he emphasizes. - Here you begin to understand yourself through crises and doubts, which ultimately helps you rethink your path as an artist.

The Lithuanian approach to art made Anton reconsider his views on creativity.

In Lithuania, I realized that art is not only a technique, but also a deep conceptual approach,” he says. - “Here you are taught not only to create beautiful things, but also to put a deep meaning into them, to work with the context, to interact with the viewer on an intellectual level.

This experience became a catalyst for Anton's creative development. He began experimenting with new techniques, addressing more complex topics, and searching for his unique voice in art.

War as a moment in creativity

February 24, 2022 changed the lives of millions of Ukrainians forever, and Anton was no exception. Although he was physically safe in Vilnius, emotionally he was completely immersed in the events in Ukraine.

I lost a relative in Ilovaisk back in 2014,” Anton says quietly, ”so the theme of war has always been present in my work. But what began on February 24, 2022, changed my feelings a little bit, which I put into my paintings.

Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine did not radically change the vector of his works, but they acquired a new, deeper and more painful meaning.

If earlier it was a kind of abstract pain, now it is a constant feeling of anxiety and pressure,” he explains, I am safe here in Lithuania, but I constantly think about those who remained in Ukraine. This feeling that I am lucky to be here and someone else is not, does not give me peace of mind.

Anton began to create works that reflected his emotional state and concerns for the fate of Ukraine. He experimented with colors and shapes, trying to convey a sense of anxiety and fear.

Art as a cultural weapon

His main project is a series of five thousand portraits of fallen Ukrainian soldiers. These are not just paintings - they are the memory of those who gave their lives for the freedom of Ukraine.

My idea was to make each portrait of my relative bigger than the others, says Anton, but in the process I realized that they are all equally important. Each victim is a significant loss, and I wanted to show this through my work.

These portraits are a symbol of the massive losses that Ukraine is suffering.

I don't paint specific faces because I want people to see the scale of the tragedy, not focus on individual stories,” explains the artist. ”His works make us think not only about the number of people who died, but also about the price Ukraine is paying for its independence.

Anton is deeply convinced that art plays a critical role in times of war. For him, it is not just a way of self-expression, but a powerful tool for shaping public consciousness and preserving national identity.

Culture plays a key role in times of war because it defines what we are fighting for, where our borders are,” Anton emphasizes. - “Artists have to chisel this rock, work to ensure that these topics are discussed in society. This is important not only for the present, but also for the future.

According to Anton, art has the power not only to reflect reality but also to shape it. He believes that through their works, artists can influence public opinion, draw attention to important issues, and help people comprehend complex events.

Anton pays special attention to the topic of children in the context of war.

How will children who survived the bomb shelters behave in society?” he asks a rhetorical question. - “There is also the topic of how the military return home and how this can affect family life and children. I try to work through these topics through the subconscious, through art.

Anton believes that his art should not only create aesthetic works, but also raise important social issues and bring real benefits to society.

Censorship and art: finding a balance

In the context of the war, the issue of censorship in art becomes especially relevant. Anton has a clear position on this:

I think that an artist should not be guided by censorship. We are guided by moral and ethical standards, by education.

However, he is aware of the responsibility that artists have, especially in such difficult times.

If you draw something cruel, it's not always the right way to convey the essence of the problem,” Anton reflects. - “There are examples when artists choose other ways.

He cites an example of a project at the Venice Biennale that impressed him with its approach to the topic of war:

There was one project where there were six cameras installed in front of the door of an apartment where the family of a soldier who was about to return home lived. The broadcast showed the expectation of his return. It was a way to show emotions without direct images of war.

This example illustrates Anton's approach to art - he believes that it is possible to talk about the most difficult topics without resorting to shocking images or straightforward messages.

In his opinion, true art has the ability to touch the viewer's soul, make them feel and think without violating ethical norms.

Volunteering and supporting the army

Anton is convinced that an artist's duty is not limited to creating paintings. He is actively involved in volunteer work, organizing fundraisers for the Ukrainian military.

I started doing this because I have a certain resource of people who can help,” Anton explains. - “It doesn't depend on the number of subscribers, it's important to just start acting.

His volunteer work is closely linked to his art. Anton uses his skills as a graphic designer to create visual materials to help raise funds.

He organizes online auctions of his work, where all proceeds go to support the Ukrainian army.

Anton emphasizes the importance of transparency in volunteering:

People need to be sure that their money is being used properly. If we want to be trusted globally, we have to be as transparent and responsible as possible to those who trust us.

It regularly publishes reports on the funds raised and spent, showing how the aid reaches the recipients. This not only ensures the trust of donors but also inspires others to join in supporting Ukraine.

Fighting burnout: Art as therapy

Working on difficult topics, being constantly immersed in the context of war, volunteering - all of this can't help but affect the artist's psychological state. Anton speaks frankly about the problems of burnout he faces.

Burnout is a constant part of my life. I've gotten used to this state,” he admits. - “Recently I had a mental breakdown, I even wrote on social media that I hated everyone. But then I calmed down, breathed, cried, slept, ate, and that's it, I'm back to work,” Anton says about his experience.

He understands that he has no right to stop, as his work is an important contribution to the struggle for Ukraine.

Many people feel that they are not doing enough, and I feel that way too,” Anton admits. - “We always tend to criticize ourselves, thinking that we could do more. However, I try not to dwell on these thoughts, because it only stops development and action.

New projects and a look to the future

Despite the challenges, Anton continues to actively work on new projects. One of them explores the theme of childhood through the prism of war.

I'm currently working on projects where I mix my childhood drawings with realistic images,” Anton says. - “It's a kind of analysis of my childhood, which I realize through modern realities. Sometimes I use artificial intelligence to analyze these works.

This project has a deep personal meaning for Anton. It allows him not only to rethink his own past but also to look at today's children who are going through war.

I try to understand how war affects children's psyche, how their perception of the world changes,” he explains. - “This is very important for understanding what our society will be like after the war.

His new works are an attempt to convey these complex emotions and reflections on this topic.

A call to action

To conclude our conversation, Anton appeals to everyone who wants to help Ukraine. His message is full of hope and faith in the power of collective action.

Help Ukraine. If you don't know how, ask me or people you trust,” he advises. - “There are many public people in Lithuania and other countries who are engaged in supporting Ukraine. Listen to them.