Sergiy Bratkov. My Brother’s Cats | Curatorial Introduction

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 His recent work, previously centered on outdated Soviet-era clichés and the brash new capitalism of post-Soviet Ukraine, has now been sharply refocused by the brutal realities of the ongoing war.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.

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 His recent work, previously centered on outdated Soviet-era clichés and the brash new capitalism of post-Soviet Ukraine, has now been sharply refocused by the brutal realities of the ongoing war.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.

Tobias Zielony. Maskirovka [Concealment]

Tobias Zielony’s “Maskirovka” offers a striking exploration of Kyiv’s queer techno scene in the wake of the post-Maidan era, blending artistic expression with a profound commentary on societal resistance. This project reflects the duality of its title, capturing moments where identity is both concealed and celebrated amid an unstable political landscape. Through his evocative photographs and a dynamic animated film composed of 5,400 images, Zielony provides a lens into a vibrant, underground community that challenges nationalism and conventional norms. The interplay of nighttime revelry and the stark realities of conflict creates a vivid tapestry, inviting viewers to engage with the multi-faceted narratives of the individuals within, while questioning the representation of Ukraine within broader sociopolitical dialogues. In this nuanced portrayal, Zielony reveals the fragility and resilience of a generation caught between chaos and the pursuit of self-determination.