Living an Artistic Life on the Rim of the World: Embracing Change as an Artist

Anton Pedos, a young painter from Ukraine, embarked on a transformative creative journey to Lithuania amidst the turmoil of war. His experiences of conflict deeply influenced his artwork, as he sought to capture the emotions and struggles faced by his homeland. In Lithuania, Anton found a new community that embraced his artistic vision, providing a platform to express his pain and hope. Through vibrant colors and poignant imagery, he reflects the resilience of the human spirit while also addressing the harsh realities of war. As he navigates his social life in a foreign land, Anton fosters connections with fellow artists and locals, sharing stories and experiences that bridge cultural gaps. His journey is not just about analyzing the past but also about creating a future where art becomes a powerful voice for peace and understanding.

Anton Pedos has recently unveiled a captivating collection of artworks that reflect his evolving artistic vision. Each piece showcases a unique blend of vibrant colors and intricate textures, drawing the viewer into a world that is both familiar and otherworldly. His latest works explore themes of identity, nature, and the human experience, inviting contemplation and emotional engagement in War times. Using a variety of mediums, Anton Pedos skillfully combines traditional techniques with modern influences, resulting in a dynamic body of work that resonates with a diverse audience. As art enthusiasts flock to galleries to witness these new creations, it is evident that Anton Pedos continues to push boundaries and redefine contemporary art, solidifying his place as a significant figure in the art community.

Each piece is a vibrant exploration of color and form, reflecting his unique artistic vision and emotional depth. From striking abstract compositions to intricate figurative studies, Pedos masterfully blends traditional techniques with modern concepts, creating a dialogue between the viewer and the artwork. His latest series, inspired by themes of nature and human connection, invites audiences to engage with the underlying narratives that shape our world. With every brushstroke, Pedos transcends conventional art forms, establishing himself as a significant voice in today’s art scene. This new body of work not only showcases his technical prowess but also serves as a poignant reminder of the beauty and complexity of life itself.

Repetitive Subconscious (2024) is a striking diptych, in oil and crayon on canvas, measuring 140x160 cm. The artist skillfully combines elements of both realism and abstraction to evoke a layered psychological narrative, inviting the viewer to explore the tension between childhood innocence and the burdens of responsibility or conflict.

At first glance, the artwork presents four children divided into two mirrored pairs. The figures at the center of the composition, appear serene, cradle white cats—an image that invokes themes of care, protection, and purity. These children are dressed in muted, practical clothing, further grounding the scene in a rural or austere environment. The gentle, protective gestures toward the cats offer a tender portrayal of innocence.

However, the reflective nature of the composition becomes apparent as the central figures mirror their counterparts on the outer edges of the painting. On the leftmost side, a child, face obscured with abstract crayon markings, echoes the central figure’s pose but is abstracted to the point of anonymity, giving an eerie, subconscious quality to the scene. On the far right, the most jarring element emerges—a child, similarly dressed, holds a rifle. This stark juxtaposition between the cat and the gun amplifies the unsettling tension at the heart of the work, where innocence confronts the realities of violence and responsibility.

The crayon markings that overlay the composition—vivid in their chaotic, childlike scribbles—create a sense of spontaneity and disorder, a visual representation of the inner workings of a child’s mind. These doodles break up the otherwise controlled, representational elements of the painting, symbolizing emotional and mental disruptions. The crayon lines evoke a world beyond the surface—memories, fears, or dreams that cannot be contained within the physical forms of the children.

The repetitive, reflective composition further amplifies the sense of duality. The figures are not merely repetitions but subtle distortions of one another, representing a split between the conscious and the subconscious, the outer and inner lives. The reflective aspect of the painting serves as a meditation on the contradictions of growing up in a world where care and violence, innocence, and trauma, often collide.

By choosing to work with both oil and crayon, the artist successfully bridges the gap between controlled artistic skill and raw, unfiltered expression. The oil technique gives the figures a grounded realism, while the crayon marks explode that reality with emotional intensity. The overall effect is both mesmerizing and unsettling, leaving the viewer in a state of reflection on the nature of childhood, memory, and the forces that shape identity.

Repetitive Subconscious presents a deeply evocative exploration of duality and emotional complexity. The mirrored children, the symbolic use of animals and weapons, and the chaotic layering of crayon strokes create a narrative that feels timeless yet urgent. It speaks to the inner battles we face from a young age and how they echo throughout our lives, making this a powerful and haunting work of contemporary art.