Portrait of prima ballerina Olga Smirnova during her time at the Bolshoi Ballet, concentrating during a practice session.
 
Smirnova is one of more than 300.000 Russians leaving their country immediately after Russia's invasion of Ukraine. She said she "couldn't keep it in". For her to be truthful in her artistic expression, she had to speak out against the war. And leave... to the Netherlands, where the Nationale Ballet was all too happy to welcome her as their new female lead dancer. 
 
Soft pastel on pastel mat, laminated to panel
31 x 34 cm  (12.3"x13.7") panel size
35 x 39 cm  (14"x 16") framed
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This piece is fixed and stable for all practical purposes except direct touching. 
It is mounted on a lightweight panel and framed in a light wood box frame without glass.