Inspired by the peaceful slopes along the Georges River near my home – a place where I often walk with my family – this landscape captures a sense of quietude in contemporary life. Yet, beneath this serene surface lies a profound history. These very banks and ancient trees witnessed the resistance of First Nations peoples during the Hawkesbury-Nepean Wars as they courageously defended their Homeland.
Coming from Ukraine, a country currently enduring war, I feel a deeply personal resonance with this space. As an immigrant, learning the history of the land I now call home allows me to honour its traditional custodians and reflect on the true weight of peace. This painting is a space of contemplation – a gentle invitation to cherish today’s tranquility while acknowledging the enduring strength, memory, and price that formed it.
Nataliia Hudenko (b. 1983, Poltava, Ukraine) is a Sydney-based self-taught visual artist specializing in contemporary still life and landscape painting in oil and acrylic. A member of the Royal Art Society of NSW, her practice focuses on capturing stillness and elegance in simple forms through balanced color palettes and thoughtful composition. She has been named a finalist in several Australian art prizes, including the Hornsby Art Prize (2025), The St Columba’s Art Prize (2026), and the Red Art Prize (2026). Her work has been showcased across New South Wales and Victoria, including a recent curated group women’s exhibition at Palangi Gallery. Alongside her studio work, Nataliia teaches fine arts and facilitates art-based cognitive therapy sessions in the Sydney community.
