Dalena’s painting Ya Tebya Lyublyu, which is Russian for I love you, expresses that love is for everyone. It is beautiful to love and be loved regardless of sexual orientation. The artist laments that there are still places in the world where being identified as a member of the LGBT community is dangerous. Barbaric beliefs are still propagated that lead to judgment and condemnation of homosexuality, clouding the views of people. Same sex, loving couples in these places are not seen as humans worthy of love, equal honor, and respect.

“There is nothing truly more artistic than loving people.” – Vincent Van Gogh