Fantasia in harsh times
Tanya Olifirenko was always obsessed with flowers, but lately felt an urge to explore it through her lense. The photos she shared with us were taken starting from Spring 2023, mainly in Hryshko National Botanical Garden, Kyiv - the best place for solitude, self-reflection, and Nature exploration. She says nostalgia and national symbols are the key elements in these series. A lot of attention is paid to Malva, Sunflower, Poppies, Viburnum, Iris, that are significant for Ukrainian culture, these flowers appear a lot in any kind of art - painting, poetry, embroidery, songs. Being unable to visit the house of her grandma, as it is under Russian artillery fire almost constantly, she was seeking for things that reminded her of her childhood Summer days at her grandma's house. Living in the war requires being careful and responsible she says, it doesn't matter how old you are, it definitely makes you feel older. In these circumstances art helps to connect with an inner playful and happy self.
Broken flowers
Beautiful compositions from an original idea of Nora & Lila, set designers of Ammi Fleurs and shot in situ by Roberto Badin. A reminder of how everything is fragile. The Broken Flowers serie takes its title from 2005 Jim Jarmusch’s film.
Nature’s Whimsical Embrace: A Mother’s Journey of Rediscovery
In the midst of scattered toys, sticky kitchen counters, and the never-ending hum of "Mom, where’s my shoe?" or "Mom, can I have a cheetoes?," there exists a secret haven where a mother can rediscover her own rhythm—the great outdoors. Picture this: a frazzled mom, wearing a Doen dress, sneaking out with all the grace of a spy, a secret rendez vous with her true self in the wild embrace of nature.
