“Grain Wars”

A plastic soldier I found on the beach gave me the inspiration to create an artwork informed by the war in Ukraine.One aspect of the disturbing conflict is the difficulties faced by Ukraine in exporting grain products to third world countries and the subsequent threat of widespread famine as well as supplies of grain and corn being confiscated by the Russian forces.Grain is viewed as a currency as well as a resource in which attempts to stop exports is viewed as an attempt to starve Ukraine of finance as well as foodstuffs.Thankfully,international attempts to resurrect exports of grain has been partially successful but the ongoing conflict still poses a threat to worldwide food security.