Mikhail Dmitrievich Alatarcev’s "The Feat" (1960s) vividly portrays civilian resistance during World War II. War scenes, especially from the Great Patriotic War, were prominent in Soviet art, and this painting honours the heroism of ordinary citizens, capturing the collective trauma that shaped Soviet postwar identity.

Sharp diagonals and twisted figures dominate the composition, creating a sense of chaotic energy that reflects the intensity of conflict. At the heart of the painting, a Nazi soldier is overpowered by civilian fighters, his vulnerable position at the bottom of the frame symbolising the triumph of justice. Alatarcev’s bold, expressive brushstrokes add a sense of urgency to the scene, diverging from the socialist realist style that typically defined Soviet art. This emotive, almost expressionistic approach reflects the raw human experience of war, emphasising the personal resonance of memory.

Colour plays a crucial role in shaping the emotional tone. The warm reds and yellows of the people's clothing contrast sharply with the cooler tones of the background, intensifying the struggle. The roughly hewn faces of the figures abstract the scene, allowing viewers to project universal emotions like fear, desperation, and anger, making the painting both distinctly Ukrainian and universally relatable.

Born in 1947 in Ukraine, Mikhail Dmitrievich Alatarcev is a celebrated landscape painter known for his deep connection to nature, often captured through plein air painting. His artistic journey began in Yenakiieve under the mentorship of I. Grinenko. He studied at the Kharkiv State Art School and the Kharkiv Art and Industrial Institute, learning from notable Ukrainian artists. Since 1999, he has been a member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine and has received numerous awards for his plein air works. His art has been exhibited widely across Ukraine and abroad, with his works held in private collections internationally.