In 1844, in Chuhuiv, Kharkiv region, Ukrainian artist Illya Rypin (Repin) was born in a cossack family. You can see his admiration of 🇺🇦freedom and its people in one of his greatest works, "Cossacks are Writing a Letter to the Turkish Sultan" (1880–1891)
turtle island indigenous solidarity with palestine, now and forever!!! (acrylic on canvas, 4x4 in)
this design combines the ojibwe medicine wheel with the pattern of the kuffiyeh. both are symbols of resistance against colonization and the persistence of culture. i wanted to show solidarity across indigenous cultures of the world in the face of dehumanization and imperialism!
the colors of the medicine wheel are really similar to the colors of the palestinian flag, which have historically been illegal to paint in, so including those colors was also important to this piece.
additionally, i painted this with my late grandmother's paints, because it is two years the anniversary of her death soon, and i want to honor her as well as all those who have been martyred by israel.
Thinking about how the fandom just turns Merry into a stoner when he's one of the most observant and smart characters. He knew about the ring before even Frodo did. He was the leader of the conspiracy to help Frodo leave the Shire gathering supplies and getting things ready, all without Frodo's knowledge. He liked maps and boats (pretty unusual for Shire hobbits) and is much more than just the guy who smokes a pipe.