2025
80×100 cm
oil on canvas
This piece has evoked different emotions in everyone — I’m sure of that. That’s why I didn’t immediately share my thoughts about it. It is one of the paintings from the series “Animals of Kharkiv” (yes, more works are coming). It depicts a cat waiting for its family on the other side of the window (yes, it might not be obvious at first, but he’s in great company with pigeons outside).
Unfortunately, since 2022, Kharkiv (and likely other cities) has seen a significant increase in stray animals who need our attention and help. That’s why I have two former homeless cats living with me at home. And that’s why I admire people who feed animals on the streets — there are many such kind people around me. Moreover, my workplace even held an event dedicated to feeding animals in winter.
I sincerely believe that every animal will either wait for or find their person.
I was inspired to create this piece by a ginger beauty who went for a walk and patiently waited to be let back inside — so no cats were harmed during the making of this painting.
However, this work gained an even deeper meaning for me when the house depicted in it was damaged on June 7th during a massive attack on the city.
Viktoriia Kovalenko 