Draws Ukraine in the sand and believes in Zelensky. How a Portuguese artist became famous all over the world and what he reproaches NATO for

Since the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia, Portuguese artist Vitor Raposo has been supporting Ukraine in an extraordinary way - by creating paintings out of sand on a beach in Portugal. The latest of his works, VOLIA, dedicated to the defenders of Ukraine, has traveled around the world.

Exclusively for OBOZ.UA, the man admitted why he is waiting with all his heart for the end of Russian aggression, what he admires about Volodymyr Zelensky and what he reproaches NATO and world leaders for.

-Since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion, you have been supporting Ukraine in a rather unusual way – by creating sand paintings on a beach in southern Portugal. How did you come up with this idea?

- I have always loved Ukraine. So I decided to use art to express my support for the Ukrainian people, who are in my heart, and to show that I am on their side.

- How long does it take to make one of these paintings? How do passers-by react to your works, especially when they are in Ukrainian? Does anyone help you?

- It takes me three or four hours to make one painting, five hours at most. I write in Ukrainian with the help of a translator, but I always ask my Ukrainian friends to check if everything is correct, if I made a mistake in a word.

In general, passersby react positively to my work. Of course, it is noticeable that they are surprised, sometimes stopping to ask me something or to investigate in more detail how I do it. It also happens that I haven't finished working yet, and my paintings are already all over social media(smiles).

- In one of your posts, you quoted Martin Luther King: you don't worry so much about the noise of the bad as the silence of the good. Do you think the war in Ukraine is no longer relevant for the Portuguese?

- No, I think the war in Ukraine is still relevant for the Portuguese. I appealed to the countries that are not helping Ukraine enough. You need real help from NATO and more military support from world leaders, not just words.

- You created a painting in honor of Volodymyr Zelensky's arrival in Portugal. What is your opinion of the President of Ukraine?

- I created a painting in honor of Volodymyr Zelensky long before his arrival, and in May 2024, when he visited Portugal for the first time, I republished the photos on social media.

Volodymyr Zelensky is a person I like and respect very much. If he had more support and help, he would be a president who has no equal. But, unfortunately, the situation is not the best. But he is still an example of courage and resilience for me.

- With the help of your works, you can propose to your loved one in an extraordinary way. Was it a Portuguese man who asked a Ukrainian woman to marry him or a Ukrainian man?

- It was a Ukrainian, the son of my friends, who proposed to a Ukrainian woman. After this job, I became friends with the brides and grooms(smiles).

-Your latest work VOLIA, dedicated to Ukrainian defenders, has traveled around the world! What was your reaction to this unexpected attention?

- I did not expect such a reaction at all! Usually, my works can be seen on the social pages of the Ukrainian Embassy (by the way, the idea to create a painting on the Day of Defenders belongs to the Embassy of Ukraine in Lisbon, which asked Vitor Raposo to help - Ed.) or in Portugal, but so many countries at once! Millions of people left comments and shared their impressions.

But the most pleasant thing was to find out that my work was published in Ukraine! It was very emotional! I sincerely dedicated this painting to Ukrainian defenders. I will continue to support Ukrainians through my art.

- Do you remember when you first came up with the idea of creating sand paintings? Tell us a little bit about yourself.

- I am 61 years old. I used to work in the electrical industry. When the company closed six years ago, I was left without a job. I went on vacation and on one beach I started drawing pictures in the sand with a stick and took pictures of them. Later, I had better tools, and today my works have traveled all over the world.

- How do you feel when you work for many hours, because soon enough the ocean will wash away your creation?

- I am often asked this question (smiles).

I never miss my works, because they belong to the ocean, and it has the right to take them away. But the next day I have a blank canvas for new fantasies.

- What will be the theme of your next painting dedicated to Ukraine?

- I'm waiting for the war to end, so I'll dedicate my painting "Glory to Ukraine"! It will be my biggest painting!

- What would you like to wish Ukrainians?

- An end to the war, so that there is finally peace! And then - a lot of strength and courage to rebuild everything that has been destroyed in the country. I know that Ukrainians are very resilient. They will overcome everything!

Read also on OBOZ.UA an interview with Portuguese historian, translator, journalist and writer Jose Migliares - about 38 years of life in Russia, Putin's madness and the best president of Ukraine.

Also on OBOZ.UA, an interview with a Portuguese man who came to Ukraine by bicycle- about the war that Europe is ignoring, the evil lady from the train, and the severe frosts.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!