Diver 2009 Oil on linen 60 x 44 in. (152.4 x 111.8 cm)

In early August 2009, shortly after the five-day war between Georgia and Russia, which ended with violated borders and Russian troops remaining on Georgian territory, Russia began discussions to purchase a French-built Mistral-class 19,500-ton amphibious assault ship.

For the nations bordering Russia, this was alarming news. Possession of a Mistral-class vessel would significantly expand Russia's military capabilities and increase the vulnerability of countries such as Georgia and the Baltic states in the event of future aggression.

The sale of a Mistral-class ship to Russia appeared highly controversial and hypocritical on the part of President Sarkozy's government, especially since the announcement came shortly after France had brokered the ceasefire agreement between Georgia and Russia.

As a response, I created Diver—an image of a diver emerging from the waves of the Black Sea after blowing up the Mistral.

On September 3, 2014, French President François Hollande announced the suspension of the warship's delivery due to the Russia–Ukraine war. The vessel was later sold to Egypt.