Dutch artist Gerda Smelik (b. 1964) says about this mixed media piece:
Advent, a period of reflection and expectation, is portrayed by a globe with a fetus inside. The dark colors stand for the brokenness of life; the light around the fetus and the rays of gold around the globe already announce a better world. When you look at the painting up close, you discover that the suffering of the world is depicted by means of portraits of people in danger and distress.
I can find no better image than this vibrant art piece, which could be a poster for the massive sufferings of the Ukraine people this Advent.
2006. Acrylic, oil paint, gold leaf, paper, wood chips, sand, glue, and photographs on canvas.