River of Lights
by Ksenia Kirkbride
Oil on canvas
100 × 80 cm
2024
This painting is inspired by a beautiful Slavic tradition that dates back to pagan times and is still celebrated in various ways across Slavic countries. It’s about Ivan Kupala Night, a celebration of water and fire. During this night, people gather around bonfires, jump over the flames, dance in circles, weave flower crowns, collect herbs, and take a dip in the water. We limited ourselves to bonfire-roasted marshmallows :)
Ivan Kupala is a folk holiday celebrated by Eastern Slavs in the summer, marking the summer solstice and the peak of nature’s beauty. Interestingly, it coincides with the Christian feast of the Nativity of John the Baptist, from which it gets its name. In Slavic languages, the name "Kupala" translates to "The Baptiser," linking it to water.
There’s an old belief among Slavs that only once a year, on Ivan Kupala Night, the mythical fern flower blooms. This flower doesn’t exist in reality, but according to legend, whoever finds it gains incredible abilities: they can understand the language of animals and see hidden treasures.
I love to observe fire, candles, and to be next to water, and the beauty of flames dancing on the surface was the main source of inspiration for the painting. There’s something a bit crazy and wonderful about it all.