‘Inversion’ stands as a poignant artistic endeavour, born from the collaboration between photographer Danila Tkachenko and the non-profit organisation Gariwo. This initiative bears witness to the repercussions of Russian military aggression in Ukraine, encapsulated through a travelling photo exhibition. Through the lens of nine courageous military photojournalists, the project unveils the stark realities faced by Ukrainian communities amidst conflict.

Photography Danila Tkachenko

Place: Berlin, Germany
Portrait: Elena, age 92. Teacher Ukrainian
Banner photo: Maxim Donduk
View of a destroyed residential building in the city of Borodyanka, Kyiv region. Ukraine

With a solemn inauguration on May 6, 2023, at Milan's 'Monte Stella Memorial Garden,' the ‘Inversion’ project commenced its journey. Curated from a selection of twelve evocative photographs, the exhibition ventured beyond traditional gallery confines. These impactful images were mounted on a sizable aluminium frame, measuring 2.80 by 3.76 meters, and showcased against the backdrop of iconic European landmarks.

As the exhibition traversed seven cities across the continent, it not only exposed audiences to the visual testimony of war but also engaged twelve Ukrainian refugees who sought solace from conflict in these European havens. Moreover, the project's noble cause extended beyond mere observation; all proceeds raised were dedicated to supporting Ukrainian army units, underscoring the tangible impact of art in advocacy and humanitarian efforts.

Place: Paris, France
Portrait: Victoria, age 25. Model Ukrainian
Banner photo: Ulia Ovsyannikova
View of a destroyed residential building in the city of Borodyanka, Kyiv region. Ukraine

Place: Prague, Czech Republic
Portrait: Maria, Age 2
Banner photo: Narciso Contreras
A collapsed bridge is left behind in the town of Irpin, on the outskirts of Kyiv. Ukraine

Place: Rome, Italy
Portrait: Fedor, age 32. Lawyer Ukrainian
Banner photo: Miguel A. Lopes
Russian airstrikes on a school in the Ukrainian city of Zhytomyr

Place: Paris, France
Portrait: Christina, Age 7. Schoolgirl Ukrainian
Banner photo: Evgeniy Maloletka
Smoke over residential neighborhood in Mariupol after Russian attack on residential area.

Place: Pisa, Italy
Portrait: Ivan, Age 23. Designer Ukrainian
Banner photo: Mykhaylo Palinchak
Destroyed UOC Holy Virgin St. Laura in the de-occupied village of Bogorodske, Ukraine

Place: Versailles, France
Portrait: Uliya, age 40 Make-up artist, Ukrainian
Banner photo: Vasily Maksimov
The ruins of Donetsk airport, Ukraine after the battle between Ukrainian troops and Russian separatists.

Place: Paris, France
Portrait: Anna, Age 30. Property manager, Ukrainian
Banner photo: Mykhaylo Palinchak
Destroyed residential house on the outskirts of Chernigiv, Ukraine.

Place: Milan, Italy
Portrait: Natalia, Age 39. Editor, Ukrainian
Banner photo: Maxim Donduk
A residential building came under fire in Lugansk region, Ukraine

Place: Venice, Italy
Portrait: Vladlena, Age 25. Сosmetologist, Ukrainian
Banner photo: Alexey Furman
Destroyed Ukrainian Antonov An-225 “Mriya” cargo aircraft, which was the largest plane in the world. Kyiv region, Ukraine

Place: Strasbourg, France
Portrait: Aleksandr, Age 11. Schoolboy, Ukrainian
Banner photo: Evgeniy Maloletka
Houses destroyed after Russian attack on Izium Ukraine.

Place: Vatican
Portrait: Alla, age 60. Dentist, Ukrainian
Banner photo: Laurence Geai
The impact of Russian air force bombing in the village of Yatskivka, Ukraine

About Daniela

Danila Tkachenko is an artist, photographer, and activist, who in 2022 committed a series of anti-war actions in different regions of Russia, for which the Russian government opened a criminal case against him and put him on the wanted list. He is currently based in Milan, Italy. He is the recipient of numerous awards such as: World Press Photo, European Publishers Award, Leica Oskar Barnack, Gabriele Basilico Prize, Foam Talent and others. He cooperates with such editions as Spiegel, CNN, Washington Post, Guardian, BBC, The National Geographic, Libération and others.

More information on his personal website danilatkachenko.com

To see more of his work, visit his website or follow him on Instagram

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