Generosity of Alexander the Great 2010

Alexander Roitburd painted "Generosity of Alexander the Great," in 2010, a time of significant political and social upheaval in Ukraine. Roitburd was a key figure in the Ukrainian New Wave art movement, known for work that critically engaged with the complex post-Soviet identity. The painting presents a stark, dreamlike scene that challenges conventional notions of generosity. The hooded figure's grotesque act of giving evokes a sense of violence. The black figure stands in contemplation, his presence perhaps alluding to the diverse cultural interactions during Alexander's conquests, while also questioning who is included in acts of generosity, and who is excluded. Roitburd once said his art was about “deconstructing myths,” and here we see a potent revision of historical narratives. Instead of glorifying Alexander's generosity, Roitburd's painting unsettles us, prompting reflection on the true cost of power and the often unseen victims of history. The painting resonates with an emotional unease, leaving us to consider the legacies of those in power.