Guardians of the Forest

In Slavic tradition, the deer is a symbol of purity, connection with the sky and sun, and a mediator between the world of humans and nature spirits. In this papercut, it transforms into a guardian of the forest, a spirit that brings order and harmony to the wild elements. Its long, intertwined legs symbolize the boundary between worlds—a path that only those who respect nature can walk. For the thoughtless traveler, they become a labyrinth in which people get lost, but for the pure of heart, they are the way out. The branch-like horns are a sign of the creatures' unity with the forest, their identity with nature. This vytynanka is a symbolic reminder of the mutuality of man and nature. The forest is not just a place, but a living being protected by its own forces. If you enter it with respect, it will open the way. If you destroy it, you will get lost in the web of your own actions. Their legs are like roots growing out of the silence itself. They weave paths for those who see the forest not with their eyes, but with their hearts. Exhibitions 08.2024 – “The Shadow of Forgotten Time. Mythology of My Ancestors” Museum of the Opole Village, Opole, Poland 07.2024 – Diploma works of graduates of the Faculty of Arts, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa. City Art Gallery. Poland