Curated by Dina Oganova

POLTAVALAND: Ukraine's Place of Power (Ukraine, 2019-2021) is a long-term project containing over 100 images. Poltava region is one of the most unique and historically interesting places in Ukraine, with its own universe and mythology. It is also known for its mysterious atmosphere and unusual concentration of talented people. Rumors say that most of all the Ukrainian talents come from there. Poltava's culture, mythology, architecture, and religious / mystical beliefs originate in a peculiar blend between Eastern European and Asian (Mongolian, Turkish, Caucasus) influences, between Paganism, Orthodox Christianity, and even Islam. Famous writers and poets, have written about Poltava, and many of them have either lived there or had personal connection to this place. Local people cherish and value their Poltava, and even when they have better opportunities in other Ukrainian cities or abroad, they usually chose to stay or to come back. Since Russia's attack on Ukraine, Poltava's people are more united and attached to their land than ever. Regardless of their occupation in normal life they all do everything possible to protect Poltava and to help Ukraine to win this war. Artists, philosophers, writers, architects who are usually living in their own artistic universe, are now preoccupied only with creating self-made weapons, helping wounded and saving thousands of people who ran away from the nearby destroyed cities, such as Kharkiv, to seek shelter in Poltava. Mymaternal grandmother, who often comes to me in my dreams since she passed, was born in Poltava. Even though Ihave never lived there, since my first visit, Ifeel a very strong connection and even attachment to this place and the people. Until now, Poltava remains safe and untouched regardless of being surrounded by the most attacked zones, almost as fi the land has some "magical power". I truly hope that this special place in Ukraine will remain protected by the universe and will not get destroyed in this horrific war.