Valerii Stratiuk - empty throne

The painting will be sent by mail in a tube. The stretcher for the painting will be disassembled and sent together in a tube. The work is made in the style of modern expressive painting and combines elements of symbolism. In the center of the composition is a decorative throne in the Baroque style, made in golden and yellowish tones. Its relief ornaments resemble luxurious royal furniture of past centuries, but I deliberately stylize them almost toy-like, caricature-like. The throne is depicted in a dynamic pose, as if suspended in space or moving, losing its stability. This effect is enhanced by the red-orange background, which is filled with black impulsive lines, gestural strokes and graphic signs, reminiscent of abstract calligraphy. These lines create rhythm, energy and a sense of chaotic environment in which the central symbol of power looks unstable. The texture of the canvas surface is rich and material: layers of paint, scratches, and uneven brushstrokes enhance expression and add a sense of physical presence to the work. 3 From a conceptual point of view, this painting can be read as an ironic commentary on the theme of power and its symbols. The throne in European culture traditionally signifies authority, legitimacy, and grandeur. However, in this work, it is presented without a ruler—as if an empty symbol, losing its meaning in the modern world.