It was with great anticipation that we went to Landskrona this week to see the exhibition “Ukraine War Continues” at Galleri Direkt. Johan Malmberg’s fine review “Ukrainian photos from the front broaden the field of view” published in Sydsvenskan on November 9 (https://www.sydsvenskan.se/kultur/ukrainska-foton-fran-fronten-vidgar-synfaltet/) had caught our interest. We were not disappointed!
Through his photographs, Ukrainian photographer Vladyslav Krasnoshchok takes us to the war in Ukraine. The spartan presentation, the strong content and presentation of the images send a strong message to the viewer. The photographer uses old analog working methods to reinforce the message. One gets the impression that the photographs were developed under primitive conditions. The images are harsh with a limited tonal range, often tinted/discolored and soiled with dust and hairs. The compositions are impressive. Especially when the black edges of the frames are included as proof that the entire film frame was used. An old way of reinforcing the truth value of a documentary image. Many images are long and narrow, in the so-called “panoramic format”, which gives the viewer a “wider view” of the war.
The photographer is incredibly skilled in his use of photographic techniques to convey the horrific events of the war in Ukraine. I would not be surprised if Vladyslav Krasnoshchok will be mentioned alongside many of the greatest photographers such as Robert Capa, Eugene Smith and Henri Cartier-Bresson.
Unfortunately, the exhibition at Galleri Direkt in Landskrona will end this weekend. I hope it will be kept together and shown in more places. The photographs are well worth seeing several times!
