Of War & Peace

New works from Margo Sarkisova, produced upon leaving her home and studio after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

Margo Sarkisova (Born 1997, Ukraine) is an Assyrian artist whose work in drawing and printmaking uses mythology and natural symbolism to explore themes of identity, culture, home and belonging.

Isadore&Dunn Gallery is proud to present these drawings and prints from her time in 2022 after being forced to give up her studio and home in Kharkiv, to flee west to Lviv. The prints were made during a time in the summer of 2022 in Austria.

Sarkisova’s work deals with her complex relationship to her culture as an Assyrian woman as well as some of the contradictions of belonging to a culture that has struggled to survive. According to her, the Assyrian people in her life talk about themselves and their past as glorious and powerful. They need this strong idea to rally around, to survive hardships past and present. But also these stories about the great history of the people cannot be questioned, and this ultimately hurts those living in this culture. It creates a structure that the people need to prop themselves up with, and at the same time binds and damages them. This plays out as intergenerational trauma.

Perception of Projection, 2022, Monotype, 25x25 cm

The Gardener

Sarkisova has also constructed her own mythologies with recurring symbolism to help a new generation reconsider how to live in a more hopeful and positive manner.

“It’s about planting good seeds of intention that translate to deeds free of violence towards yourself and others. Gardeners know that all seeds will grow at the right time. We need more people with this mentality for our future.”

—Margo Sarkisova, writing about Gardener Mentality

Initiation IV - Flower-Identity, 2020

Of War & Peace

The work presented in this show is a result of Sarkisova’s need to flee her home in 2022 due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Sarkisova produced these drawings in sketchbooks after leaving her studio for her own safety, and eventually her home as well. Drawings made as air raid sirens were going off around her. Dealing with the pain and uncertainty of a life who’s foundation and safety were now not stable, not guaranteed.

We are pleased to show this work as a window into Sarkisova’s studio practice. It functions as a case study for how artists, when faced with a difficult situation, can flourish and persist to expose injustices. It is in difficult times when artists must struggle to adapt, that they can prevail through self expression; as a means to cope, communicate, and heal.

The works can feel overwhelming and tense, layering up dense ink, reflecting the chaos of a tumultuous time. Some drawings suggest billowing smoke, or figures in mourning. Damaged, contorted, injured. Witness to their lives up-ended. Confronting a dangerous new reality.

Sarkisova is safe and continues to produce work. We wish her and all of Ukraine safety and happiness as they work to end the full-scale war and rebuild their lives.