Stolen 'Diablo' fan art is being used as a symbol of Ukraine's fight against Russia

The above image was created by Toby Lewin for a Blizzard Entertainment fan art contest in 2011, and has since spread far and wide around the internet and the world. On Tuesday, it popped up on a monument honoring Ukrainian soldiers.

A monument depicting a sword being driven into Russia was unveiled in Ukraine on Tuesday, and on the front of the statue is a modified version of the Diablo fan art. The image is of the character Tyrael holding a sword while surrounded by enemies, but his outstretched wings are painted blue and yellow to represent the Ukrainian flag.

Original image has been replaced. Credit: Mashable

Lewin said he's aware of his artwork being spread all over the place without attribution or permission, but this particular situation is pretty random.

"I get messages that it's being sold as a poster or mouse pad somewhere online but this is definitely the first war memorial," he said.

It's an impressive piece of art that conveys a lot of feelings, which is part of what gives it its popularity, Lewin guesses.

"I was pretty heavily depressed at the time, so struggled for weeks to claw the image together, but in the end perhaps part of that struggle was imprinted on the image and it became a metaphor for the individual struggle through uncertain odds and insurmountable challenges," he said. "Perhaps that's why it seems to resonate with some people."

The Ukrainian monument specifically honors soldiers that fought against Russian occupants in the Anti-Terrorist Operation Zone in eastern Ukraine. That area of Ukraine was invaded by Russia in 2014 and has been the site of an ongoing struggle between Ukrainians, Russia, and pro-Russia separatists.

Lewin doesn't seem too upset that a version of his artwork is being used in the Ukrainian monument.

"While it's frustrating that it's often used and resold without permission, part of me is also glad that some people find if meaningful," he said.

It should go without saying but, even if you have the best intentions, get an artist's permission if you want to use their artwork. Otherwise it's stealing.