Painting by Kateryna Khapilina

The Mother is a deeply personal and symbolic work exploring the theme of unconditional maternal love — a force that exists beyond circumstance, condition, or appearance. The central figure cradles an alien-like being in her arms. This “otherworldly” child serves as a metaphor for a son or daughter who is different, chronically ill, or faces challenges that set them apart. It reflects the reality that parenthood often brings unexpected trials, yet love endures unshaken. The alien form highlights both difference and vulnerability, underscoring the instinctive drive of a mother to protect, nurture, and accept her child completely. The work speaks of resilience, sacrifice, and the profound emotional strength that women carry. The tender embrace transforms the unusual into something sacred, revealing that love has the power to turn even pain, fear, and hardship into warmth and connection. Painted in oil in 2019, the piece carries a timeless emotional weight, merging figurative realism with symbolic narrative. The composition invites viewers to confront their own perceptions of “otherness” and to reflect on the universal capacity for empathy and acceptance — a love that does not demand change, but cherishes wholly what is.