Primorsky Rhododendrons

I looked to the area I was born for inspiration. Every spring in Primorsky Krai in the South East of Russia, instead of Cherry blossoms, Rhododendron trees bloom. And in Vladivostok, they are the official flower.

But the idea of Vladivostok is marred for me now because of the actions of Russia's current political leader. I see that area through two views: one is my childhood memories of being there and the other is my current understanding of what the leaders of the country are doing. So I wanted to create an artwork that reflected that, showing both the beauty of the flower and how it's in a country run by a tyrant.