Description:
This photographic series explores various forms of conflict, ranging from internal
struggles with personal identity to broader, violent confrontations between nations.
Created during an artist residency in Kyiv, the project draws inspiration from ongoing
geopolitical tensions—specifically Armenia-Azerbaijan, Georgia-Russia, and Ukraine-
Russia conflicts. It also reflects upon a performance of Medea staged at the
underground "PostPlay" theater, prompting deeper contemplation of gender, identity,
and the far-reaching effects of war.
In the series, human bodies are portrayed in their most vulnerable and pure form,
intentionally faceless, akin to newborns. Removing facial identities reduces the figures
to symbolic representations of stereotypical male and female forms, defined solely by
their genitals. This approach highlights society's tendency to simplify and label
individuals based solely on gender. Each figure wears a foil mask painted with the flags
of countries involved in these conflicts, alongside the names of the respective national
leaders at the time. These masks symbolize the external pressures of imposed national
and political identities.
Accompanying textual elements, such as "How do you think this is war?" and "Are you
sure that you know what war is?" challenge viewers to reconsider their perceptions of
conflict—whether related to national warfare or personal battles with identity.
By merging male and female forms and obscuring individual identities, the project
demonstrates how both gender and national identities are influenced and distorted by
conflict. Ultimately, this work invites reflection on the profound personal and collective
consequences these struggles entail.
