Artist recounts Hamas imprisonment experience through his artwork

Artist recounts Hamas imprisonment experience through his artwork

New York (AP) - Walking into Andrei Kozlov's art studio, one might find a symphony of dark hues and somber subject matter. However, the 28-year-old painter from St. Petersburg, now residing in New York, encourages visitors to search for the light hidden within his work inspired by his grueling ordeal as a hostage of Hamas for eight months.

Now a free man, Kozlov's beaming smile belies the agony he experienced during captivity and his ongoing gratitude for his survival. His paintings, though purposely steeped in shadows and depicting moments of despair, often include glimmers of hope in the form of distant skyline, reflections in bubblegum-pink mirrors, or soft lamplight from windows in a desolate landscape.

"Even in the face of darkness," Kozlov says, standing in his shared studio space in Manhattan's Hudson Yards, "there remains a glimmer of light."

The artist spent nearly a year recovering from his harrowing experience, which he says has forever set him apart from the world; yet, he describes his emotional state as predominantly positive and well-adjusted. Amidst the memories that flood back occasionally, he is filled with gratitude and empathy for those still held captive, while acknowledging his designation as a "former hostage" that will always accompany him.

Kozlov came to Israel in 2022 to participate in a gap-year program, interning at a Tel Aviv motion design company. His life before captivity was characterized by a carefree attitude, evident in Instagram posts showcasing his leisurely days on the beach, cycling, surfing, and exploring the city.

However, his peaceful existence was abruptly shattered in October 2023, when he was working as a security guard at the infamous Tribe of Nova music festival near the Gaza border. After three sleepless nights, a terrifying day of chaos and confusion led to his capture by Hamas militants. Kozlov dismissed the possibility of kidnapping and believed he would eventually be rescued, choosing not to send any messages to his family.

Kozlov was unaware of the grim reality that awaited him - eight months in captivity, moved between eight different homes under guard by a shifting rotation of 24 militants. Some displayed pretenses of compassion, while others treated their captives inhumanely, with Kozlov witnessing wide variations in living conditions.

Eventually, his captors granted him a small mercy - a pencil and a thin notebook, which Kozlov used to create art every day, eventually leading him to produce the thought-provoking and emotionally charged works now displayed in his studio.

In May 2024, an Israeli Defense Force operation resulted in Kozlov's release, along with three other hostages, in a dramatic bust that claimed the lives of at least 274 Palestinians and an Israeli commando. The experience left Kozlov with a renewed appreciation for daylight, fresh air, and simple pleasures after spending months in captivity.

"That day was the best of my life," Kozlov shares.

Since his release, Kozlov has reunited with his family in Israel and, after encountering too many triggers during a temporary stay in his home country, he found himself drawn to the United States. As a means of coping with and sharing his experiences, the artist has focused on art as a means of healing and spreading awareness.

Kozlov will soon be debuting an exhibition of his heartrending and empowering paintings documenting his time as a hostage, with plans to complete a few more pieces inspired by his ordeal before venturing into new thematic territory.

"Art is my way of sharing my journey," Kozlov explains, "from darkness to light."

[1] Andrei Kozlov uses art to process and share his experiences as a former hostage of Hamas.[2] His captivity lasted for eight months, during which he was moved between eight different homes under guard by rotating militants.[3] Now."Euphoria," he says. "You're able to feel fresh air, to see a sea, beach, sand, sky without any clouds." He calls it the best day of his life."[4] By painting scenes of both his captivity and his eventual release, Kozlov hopes to inspire viewers through themes of resilience, hope, and the healing power of art.[5] Kozlov's kidnapping took place while working security at a music festival in southern Israel, where he was held for eight months in Gaza before being rescued by the Israeli Defense Forces.

1. Following his eight-month ordeal as a hostage of Hamas, Andrei Kozlov now resides in New York and uses art as a means to process and share his experiences.
2. In captivity, Kozlov was moved between eight different homes under the watch of rotating militants, but he found a small mercy in a pencil and notebook, which he used to create thought-provoking art.
3. After his dramatic release by the Israeli Defense Forces, Kozlov considers the day of his liberation as the best day of his life, filled with euphoria as he breathed fresh air and saw the sky without clouds.
4. In his upcoming exhibition, Kozlov will showcase paintings documenting his time as a hostage, utilizing themes of resilience, hope, and the healing power of art to inspire viewers.

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