Shopping List

Shopping List

LibArt 2024

In February 2022, amidst the onset of the war in Ukraine, my mom and I went shopping: flour, rice, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, laundry detergent, and other common imported goods from Russia. Later that same spring, my uncle passed away. During the first 49 days after his passing, his soul was held between death and rebirth. Our family observed a mourning period where we read "om mani padme hum," and other mantras daily. As part of mourning, guests were offered tea or candy with each mantra session, I found myself collecting the wrappers. With the confusion and sorrow of my uncle's passing, the mantras served as a guiding light, ensuring a safe journey for his soul to the next life. During this horrible, disorienting time I believe the mantras grounded me in the present moments, unlike the shopping list, which often left me consumed by fears of the future.

Maral Bat

2024

Held by creator

Charcoal, ink, colored pencil, candy wrappers on watercolor paper