Long Lasting Depression During the Siege of Leningrad

The art explored in this exhibit reflects the deep despair in Leningrad that continued years after the siege had ended, when this piece was created. Without any distinguishing features, the subject of the artwork could represent anyone during the siege. During extreme starvation, physical gender or age distinctions tend to disappear. The anonymity of this image is continued in the lack of distinguishing features of clothing or environment or social status. As a result, this piece speaks to the universal despair of the siege that was experienced by all, regardless of age, gender, or social status, which is mirrored in Yura Riabinkin's diary. 

These experiences are universal, shared by those in the Siege of Leningrad and other cases of starvation and famine. Yura's hopelessness by the end of the siege, even in the face of evacuation, represents the all-consuming focus on food during starvation, as well as the apathy and depression that accompany it. Lembersky's portrayal of a woman in Leningrad reminds its viewers that the work in healing is not done when food has arrived. Rather extreme starvation, like any trauma, has lasting behavioral, psychological, and physical effects.