Photography project, 2024
War is a time of returning to the primitive. In extreme situations, one resorts to primitive thinking, resembling an animal. The brain switches to survival mode, and the power of instincts takes over. Our ancient ancestors saw in totem animals the protectors of their kin and tribe, defenders and helpers in resolving all conflicts. The initiation ritual was a means of gaining the strength of the animal and protecting the ancestors. One of the purposes of its conduct was to make a person resilient to life’s difficulties. Enduring an extraordinary ordeal, passing through the world of the dead to return with the knowledge of special prowess.
The literary basis for this project is Propp’s texts about the historical roots of the fairy tale. In this project, I recreated the main stages of primitive initiation: a journey through forbidden forests, trials by fire, consumption of ritual drinks and food, passage to the underworld, encountering the antagonist, and gaining the power of the totem.
/only the return has not yet occurred/
Solo exhibition “In a faraway kingdom” in KUT artist-run space, Kyiv, Ukraine
All the photographs were taken in the town of Druzhba, where I was born and raised.