Acrylic on canvas, stretched and ready to hang.

Signed on the front.

This original painting was my entry to the Sulman Prize 2024 at the AGNSW.

The Barbenheimer, called ‘the movie event of the year’ by Variety, was the biggest cultural phenomenon and an unusual and unexpected rivalry between Oppenheimer and Barbie films, that were released on the same day on 21 July, 2023.
In my painting ‘Barbenheimer Land’, I have used a variety of symbols to visually describe my feelings and thoughts after watching both movies and to interpret the unfolding events that followed.
Some symbols and words have multiple connotations. Here are just some of them:
The central theme of ‘GROW’ serves as an anti-war message, advocating for the nurturing of life, progress and creativity rather than following the path, that leads to destruction, wars and chaos. Instead of the ‘destructive black pineapples,’ the artwork suggests the 'cultivation' of flowers, plants, gardens and orchards used as symbols of things we can Grow-Make-Create. A pineapple fruit is associated with wealth and prosperity in Chinese culture, while the Yin-Yang symbols depict a harmonious balance and equality.
Beach balls. A pair of them can be added to the Grow Things list. The ball on the left side of the painting is also a symbol of radioactivity.
There are a few meanings behind ‘A-men’ message. Firstly, Robert Oppenheimer was part of a group advocating for the development of the atomic bomb (A-bomb) over the more powerful hydrogen bomb (H-bomb). Secondly, the term ‘Amen’ itself means ‘So be it!’ or ‘Let it be so!’. Lastly, ‘Pineapple’ is known as ‘Ananas’ in many languages.
As for the Oscars, I remember settling down with a bag of popcorn in January 2024 to watch the unfolding drama online. The nomination process alone was a puzzle — how do you compare a fantasy-comedy-musical, an abstract painting of a utopian world, with a very realistic and historically accurate drama, a biopic based on a biography book and transcripts of the hearings? It’s like trying to align an abstract expressionist piece with a hyperrealistic painting. Eight nods for Barbie and thirteen for Oppenheimer. And when ‘Ken’ was announced as a potential winner, it was a real head-scratcher. OMG! Sure, Ryan was great, but what about Margot’s stellar performance and Greta’s brilliant work as a director? Where are their nominations?
On Oscar night, Barbie faced a resounding rejection. WTR! Welcome to reality, Barbie! Wake up, grow up and be more serious if you want to win Oscars. Yet, you have indeed made a huge wave and I applause you!
Acrylic paints, edges painted light blue. Signed on the front with a full signature: Olga Kolesnik.