In 2011 Olga Sergyeyeva-Svibilsky created a piece of art like no other. The image she created caused Americans to stop and reflect on the loved ones lost in the attack on the World Trade Centers.  Sergyeyeva-Svibilsky’s painting features water reflecting the New York city line. In the reflection, the World Trade Centers are present, although they are not actually in the city skyline. The reflection creates a different view of New York as it shows where the the World Trade Centers would be standing if they were still present. Sergyeyeva-Svibilsky encourages viewers to reflect on their feelings of September 11, by showing them in the reflection, what the twin towers would look like if they were still standing. This allows them to remember and honor the men and women who risked and or lost their lives in the fatal attack on the World Trade Centers. 

Sergyeyeva-Svibilsky utilizes color coordination throughout her work of art. The repeated use of deep, majestic pastels throughout the skyline and the use of sad, darker shades within the city shows what has been lost. The skyline, while still lit, is very mild. It is calm, but it is lacking a vibrancy and it communicates that something is missing. Dark, moody colors envelop the city that is now lacking the two twin towers and all the individuals that were lost within and to them. The hard hues and metallic tones within the streets symbolize the city as if it were still covered in soot and ashes, over a decade later. The reflection within the water features colors that are vibrant and bold. The city appears almost as if it is glowing and the surrounding buildings are colorful as well. The sky is the brightest of blues as the sun shines down on the towers.

The Reflection of the World Trade Center in the water shows the good memories and the liveliness that once existed in the city at that time. The reflection indicates how great a loss New York City, as well as the entire country, faced. The city skyline was dominated by the two great figures. The reflection allows for reflection on the many people and lives that were not only taken, but were drastically changed and affected by the attack. The lack of the physical towers within the real skyline shows the emotional, physical, and spiritual loss of the country. Thought the World Trade Centers are not currently standing they are a symbol of America and what we stand for.

Sergyeyeva-Svibilsky intention for the painting was to allow the viewers to reflect on the attack of 9/11. The artist communicated that many loved ones were injured and lost due to these attacks. This painting encourages people to remember the first responders who put their life on the line to help people. While at the same time reminds us that not everyone is out to help America. Which is why we must stay in unity as a country to protect our loved ones and beliefs.
