Spinal Columns: Formation, 2023
Instax photos, video, armature. Dimension variable
The sunflower is an important crop in Ukraine. It is a symbol of the country, reflecting its blue skies and yellow fields. But during the war, it has taken on a completely new context. Sunflowers can protect you from the enemy, but they can also kill you. In fact, a sunflower field almost killed my friend in this war. Now, these fields serve as a shelter and a grave for thousands of people.
Spinal Columns: Formation is a sequel to the 2018 piece Spinal Column, which explored the issues of soldiers returning to civilian life. Unfortunately, the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine forced many of them to return to the battlefield. Today, this is a piece about returning to the frontline amidst the sunflower fields of Ukraine. In these fields, many young men and women are forging their spinal columns. I hope this will help them adapt to a new life when the war is over.
Olga Chekotovska 