When Realizing That It Is All A Great Strange Dream 

Tania Rivilis painted ‘When Realizing That It Is All A Great Strange Dream’ using oil on canvas. Rivilis, born in 1986, belongs to a generation of artists who came of age in a post-Soviet era marked by both newfound freedoms and lingering uncertainties. Her work captures a sense of introspection and questioning, as she navigates the shifting terrain of identity and belonging. This portrait could be interpreted as a commentary on the search for meaning in a world marked by rapid change and cultural fragmentation. There is a sense of both self-possession and vulnerability in the figure's closed eyes and contemplative pose. The ambiguous gender presentation, with the figure wearing both traditionally masculine and feminine clothing, further complicates any straightforward reading of identity. The painting challenges us to consider how we construct our own narratives and make sense of the world around us. Ultimately, Rivilis invites us to embrace the complexity and uncertainty of the human experience.