THE artist who created the Dove of Peace which has been hung in Black Swan Yard has spoken out about how she hopes it will bring ‘brightness and sunshine’ at a dark time. 

As previously reported, Andover landlord Paul Wells recently commissioned Buckinghamshire-based artist Ann Generlich to create the piece displayed on the side of his building, in light of the Ukrainian crisis.

Ann, who grew up in East Berlin but has been based in Buckinghamshire for the past seven years, says that her background and desire to promote peace and freedom inspired the bird.

READ MORE: Here’s why a brand new ‘Dove of Peace’ artwork for Ukraine has been installed in Black Swan Yard

“When the war started, I wanted to do something. Like a lot of us, I felt that need,” she said. 

“For me, it was to give a little bit of hope to people in the fight for peace.” 

She continued: “Andover is an interesting place to put it, because of the Army HQ, and I was lucky enough to know somebody who has a wall there!

“I was brought up in East Germany, so for me this was probably an influence and close to my heart. You look back and you see some of these influences which have shaped who I am today, coming from what was a Communist country really. 

“Based on [my background], I probably look at it with a slightly different angle. Some people have reacted and frele very strongly, and I feel very strongly about the peace. 

“I just wanted to bring some brightness and sunshine into a very confusing and sad world” 

She added that she doesn’t consider herself a “political artist”, but hoppes the artwork will be “more of a general sign of hope for better times”. 

Speaking about the artistic process from concept to installation, she said:  “Most of my artworks, I create them on the computer first to get that 3D effect. Then I paint with acrylics, generally on canvas. 

“For this particular piece, for health and safety reasons, I had to use PVC-free  mesh, just because it’s going up on a big space and you want to make sure it can withhold the wind and the rain.

“It takes a couple of months usually, so on this one I had to rush it, because when the war started I wanted to create something. I had to work through the night because I wanted it to be very timely, so on this piece it was three or four weeks.”

SEE ALSO: Ukraine appeal: Newsquest launch #ThereWithUkraine campaign - how to help 

Ann says she hopes Andover residents and visitors alike will stop and think when they see the dove. 

“Everyone views art in their own way, so for me the most important thing is to think about the situation and what little bit [you] can do. Because if everyone did something small, then the world would be a better place,” she said/. 

“But most importantly, enjoy it, share it, and I hope it gives people hope. Hopefully that’s what I’ve done there.”
For more information about Ann’s work, visit: anngenerlich.com.

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