Utrecht - Utrecht - Netherlands

This photo artwork is called "Ukraine defending". It depicts Ukraine as a woman: vulnerable, exposed to the attacks, but resistant, fearless and always free. With the sunflowers [a peaceful symbol of my country] serving as shields. The work is about the war, but also about femininity, freedom and fearlessness. #ifwomen felt free and fearless to be who they really are in any circumstances, that would bring much more happiness and growth to humankind. Many societies operate in the way that women are subject to discrimination, judgement, lust and expectations of typical behaviour. When trying to be authentic, women usually have to think about what their environment would approve or disapprove of, what is appropriate to be doing with your life at an age, what kind of appearance and behavior would attract the right partner and so on. While what's certainly right for a woman, is being as much herself as possible. Be it feminine and masculine, fierce and vulnerable, natural and self-made, sexy (with or without intentions), unusual and daring with no fear, assertive and creative in any way - being her own kind of woman! I am a 31 year old woman who surrendered to a drastic life change (I fled the war in Ukraine and now live in the Netherlands), rediscovered myself as an artist and embarked on a joyful creative path into the unknown. This work of mine started it all! I never posed nude before, and never created artworks before it. Now I fearlessly and freely follow my dreams, and encourage the reader to contribute into creating safe and accepting environments for all women out there to be their true selves. My Instagram: @daria_zakomaria Photographer: @garethwi P.S.: My artwork was exhibited in Amsterdam in 2022 as part of an art project in support of Ukraine. #ifwomen