Sotnya

War often becomes an arena where men are thrust into the spotlight, possibly masking their true emotions, on battle, death, heroism. This series is an attempt to get closer to the true feelings of men affected by the full scale Russian invasion.

Since 2019, I have been visiting Ukraine. Over the years, I have grown close to the country through my friendships and work, which revolves around this nation. With the onset of the full-scale invasion, I turned to observe my male friends and the paths they would navigate through this profoundly existential moment for both the country and themselves. Exploring themes of masculinity and heroism, my true aim is radical empathy—to subtly showcase the faces and thoughts of these young men. Within the constraints of this grant, it is challenging to convey how the work will be presented. I employ both blurred and non-blurred images, as well as presenting each portrait sitting in three different images, captured seconds apart, to avoid the finality that portraits often impose.