During this exhibition, the window of LOCAL became a view from the apartment where I lived for five years. These photographs capture a beautiful tree I watched change its "clothes" every season: golden-yellow in autumn, white and frozen in winter, offering perfect shade during the hot summer months (when temperatures could reach up to +35°C), and providing a barrier against the curiosity of the countless elderly residents who lived in the building. The apartment is located on one of the largest avenues, named in honor of Yuriy Gagarin*. Honestly, I think I witnessed the highest number of car accidents in my life from that window. *Yuriy Gagarin was a Soviet pilot and cosmonaut, the first human to journey into outer space. There was also, or perhaps still is, a beautiful mural of him not far from the building.

The location of the apartment was perfect. Every time my mom visited, I could see where she parked her car, or if she and my grandparents took the bus, I could easily spot them, since the bus station was right across the street. Not only was the bus station in front of the house, but so was a rather ugly resto-bar called “HOLIDAY,” which had neon lights that tried to create a romantic atmosphere—especially in winter when our trees were shedding their leaves.

So, what does the word “home” mean? For you? Have you ever asked yourself? As one of my friends, who had to flee the war in Ukraine, said: “Home is the idea of what you surround yourself with and what creates that feeling of home. And we do not choose the foundation of this idea.”

The view from that apartment... I don’t know if I will ever see it again, nor that tree, the bus station, or even my family. Because war has come to my home, and Russia wants to take it away. But I will always carry my home as an idea, and that can never be taken.

In addition to this text, you could find a QR code linking to a recording of the poem Contra Spem Spero by the famous Ukrainian writer Lesya Ukrainka, as well as prints of the original version of the poem in Ukrainian and its English translation. 
To me personally, this poem represents the strength of the Ukrainian people, who, despite the hell that has befallen our land, continue to live, dream, and believe.

This was my first exhibition since the war began, and I felt it was essential and my responsibility to speak up about what is happening in my country.
 I believe art is the best tool to raise our voices for something that truly matters. Please stand with Ukraine.