my super new project ANDRII STOIKO 'ET IN ARCADIA EGO'

Et in Arcadia Ego

“Et in Arcadia Ego” is a painting by the French artist Nicolas Poussin, depicting a scene where young Roman shepherds come across a tomb with a skull resting on it. Next to the skull, there is an inscription that reads, “Et in Arcadia Ego” – “I too am in Arcadia.” Arcadia is a land of eternal pleasures from Roman legends, a paradise on Earth. Our deceased figure “speaks” to the young shepherds: “Look at me, even in Arcadia, death tormented me.” This painting is an example of a “memento mori” – a reminder of death. It teaches us that no matter where you are, no matter how triumphant you feel, you never know what tragedy might befall you.

In my painting, a Ukrainian, captured in a photograph as he flees from yet another missile attack, tormented by war and sorrow, tells us the same: “I too am in Arcadia.” I too belong to a nationality, so whether you are a German reading this message, a Brit, a Pole, or an American, remember that tragedy can strike at any moment, just as it struck the man from Arcadia.