Sviatlana Petushkova - Gerda

"Gerda" by contemporary artist Sviatlana Petushkova is a stunning and bold figurative work created from life in 2021. Executed in acrylic on canvas, this piece is a powerful visual anthem for body positivity, diversity, and radical self-acceptance, with a specific focus on celebrating vitiligo.

The artwork depicts a female torso where the unique patterns of the skin condition define the composition. Petushkova utilizes her signature minimalist yet confident graphic style, contrasting the different skin tones against a vibrant, solid blue background. This composition transforms the body into a beautiful abstract landscape, highlighting the unique beauty that lies outside of conventional standards.

The painting celebrates the freedom and courage of living comfortably and confidently in one's own unique skin, inviting the viewer into a space of quiet strength and unconditional self-appreciation.

This artwork carries an impressive provenance and exhibition history:
2022: Featured in a solo exhibition at GODŌ Gallery (Vilnius, Lithuania).
2023: Exhibited at the prestigious Art Brussels art fair (Brussels, Belgium).

Sviatlana Petushkova is an interdisciplinary visual artist. Master of Contemporary Art. Since 2022 she has been a member of the Lithuanian Union of Artists, where she actively develops her career, participates in competitions and exhibitions, and continues her creative work and civic engagement. Her artistic practice spans multiple media, including analog photography, printmaking, and spatial installations, exploring themes of migration, identity, acculturation, and the concept of home in a global context. Her art reflects a profound investigation into belonging and security, shaped by her experience as a political refugee and active participant in cultural dialogue.