Sergiy Bratkov. My Brother’s Cats ― Curatorial Introduction with Annegret Laabs

Sergiy Bratkov. My Brother’s Cats
― Curatorial Introduction with Annegret Laabs

Sergiy Bratkov (b. 1960) is renowned for his radically unsettling and striking photographs that, beneath their vivid surface, present an unflinching report on societal conditions. Like other members of the “Kharkiv School of Photography,” his work over the past 30 years has focused on social photography. In spring 2022, the Ukrainian artist, who had been living in Moscow since 2004, emigrated to Berlin. His recent work, previously centered on outdated Soviet-era clichés and the brash new capitalism of post-Soviet Ukraine, has now been sharply refocused by the brutal realities of the ongoing war.

In this exhibition, Bratkov presents new cycles of images and videos created since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The once ironic observer has transformed into a reflective analyst, confronting the horrors of war in his former homeland. His new works grapple with this trauma while resisting the pull of hopelessness.

Why should you watch this?

Sergiy Bratkov’s latest exhibition captures a profound shift in his artistic practice, where irony gives way to a sobering confrontation with the brutal realities of war. Renowned for his socially charged photography rooted in the “Kharkiv School,” Bratkov’s new works — created after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — delve into the trauma of conflict in his homeland. Emigrating to Berlin in 2022, his vivid and unsettling images, once focused on Soviet clichés and post-Soviet capitalism, now engage deeply with the devastation of war, transforming him from a detached observer to a reflective witness of historical tragedy.
Sergiy Bratkov. My Brother’s Cats ― Immersive Artist Tour

Sergiy Bratkov. My Brother’s Cats ― Immersive Artist Tour

Sergiy Bratkov (b. 1960) is renowned for his radically unsettling and striking photographs that, beneath their vivid surface, present an unflinching report on societal conditions. Like other members of the “Kharkiv School of Photography,” his work over the past 30 years has focused on social photography. In spring 2022, the Ukrainian artist, who had been living in Moscow since 2004, emigrated to Berlin. His recent work, previously centered on outdated Soviet-era clichés and the brash new capitalism of post-Soviet Ukraine, has now been sharply refocused by the brutal realities of the ongoing war.

In this exhibition, Bratkov presents new cycles of images and videos created since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The once ironic observer has transformed into a reflective analyst, confronting the horrors of war in his former homeland. His new works grapple with this trauma while resisting the pull of hopelessness.

Why should you watch this?

Sergiy Bratkov’s latest exhibition captures a profound shift in his artistic practice, where irony gives way to a sobering confrontation with the brutal realities of war. Renowned for his socially charged photography rooted in the “Kharkiv School,” Bratkov’s new works — created after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — delve into the trauma of conflict in his homeland. Emigrating to Berlin in 2022, his vivid and unsettling images, once focused on Soviet clichés and post-Soviet capitalism, now engage deeply with the devastation of war, transforming him from a detached observer to a reflective witness of historical tragedy.
Haim Sokol. Testimony

Haim Sokol. Testimony

Haim Sokol’s solo exhibition delves into the intricate interplay of memory and oblivion, offering a poignant exploration of individual narratives amidst historical upheaval. Blending documentary material with artistic expression, Sokol showcases a decade’s worth of work that includes videos in collaboration with migrant workers, a workshop dedicated to the art of protest, and a thought-provoking examination of “paper memory.” The exhibition features a rich tapestry of forms — drawings, performances, installations, and objects crafted from diverse materials such as metal, leather, and plastic — all converging around the central video installation “Testimony,” which poignantly recounts his father’s harrowing experiences in a ghetto during WWII. This compelling collection not only honors those marginalized in history but also ignites crucial conversations about identity, resilience, and the significance of personal testimonies in contemporary art.

Why should you watch this?

The guided tour provides a vital lens through which we can confront and reflect on pressing contemporary issues such as migration, displacement, and the struggle for recognition. In an era marked by increasing xenophobia and political polarization, Sokol’s exploration of marginalized voices and historical amnesia resonates deeply, urging us to confront our collective past and present. The guided tour offers insights that enrich our understanding of how memory shapes identity and informs socio-political discourse, making it particularly relevant as today’s world grapples with the consequences of both historical injustices and ongoing humanitarian crises. Engaging with Sokol’s work through a guided narrative not only enhances appreciation for the artistry involved but also emphasizes the urgency of empathy and awareness in combating societal erasure and advocating for the dignity of all individuals.