Who’s Sasho

Introducing Oleksandr “Sasho” Rumyantsev, a resilient 27-year-old emerging artist who was born in Kolomyia, Ukraine, and currently resides in Belgium. From an early age, creativity coursed through his veins, but his path took an unforeseen turn when, at the age of 21, a parasitic infection called acanthamoeba keratitis rendered him blind on his right eye. This setback forced him to halt his Interior Design studies at the KASK School of Arts in Ghent.

The infection wreaked havoc, causing a blind cornea, a depleted iris, cataracts, and glaucoma. Post-surgery, he faced a barrage of challenges, including attacks caused by light and sound sensitivity, accompanied by speech difficulties. Months of isolation in a darkened room followed, until a turning point arrived.

In a gesture of unwavering support, his mother gifted him with a canvas and paints. This pivotal moment marked the birth of his artistic journey. Over the course of four years and fifteen surgeries, medical professionals delivered the heartbreaking news that restoring sight was beyond their capabilities.

However, undeterred by this verdict, he utilized his time at home with purpose and determination, gradually crafting a distinctive artistic style. Initially drawn to pop art stenciling, he ventured further, embracing the realm of abstract expressionism. The loss of sight bolstered his mental fortitude, empowering him to manifest something extraordinary from the void and pursue the life he had longed for since childhood.

Through his remarkable story and art, he aspires to inspire others, encouraging them to surmount daunting obstacles and recognize the inherent positivity and beauty within life’s challenges. Immerse yourself in the captivating world of his art and discover the profound strength of the human spirit.