Viktoriia Kovalenko

2025

60×60 cm

oil on canvas

These playful young squirrels were spotted in Kharkiv’s Central Park of Culture and Recreation, a place that has long been associated with joy, entertainment, and cherished childhood memories. I have many fond memories connected to this park. Although it has changed and modernized over the years, and despite the damage it has suffered, with many attractions no longer operating, it remains a beloved place for children, adults, and the animals that live there.

The young squirrels I encountered were full of energy and curiosity. They chased one another through the trees, played endlessly, and seemed completely carefree. Their joyful antics brought smiles and delight to everyone who stopped to watch them.

This painting captures that fleeting moment of happiness and wonder. It serves as a reminder that even in difficult times, moments of joy still exist around us. Sometimes the smallest scenes — a pair of squirrels playing in the trees — can remind us of the beauty, resilience, and simple pleasures that make life meaningful.