Solutions to win: Lutsk photographer and soldier raises over $1,200 at Portal of Grain exhibition for military

Photo: Algorithm of Action NGO 

Alvina Kaminska

Viktor Holikov returned to his hometown of Lutsk to debut his exhibition, "Portal of Grain" ["Portal Zerna" in Ukrainian—ed.], which explored the genre of conceptual photography. The event aimed to raise funds for the 109th Donetsk Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces, where Holikov serves. Over just five hours, the exhibition successfully collected 50,000 hryvnias to support the brigade's needs.

The Algorithm of Action NGO reports this.

How is the solution?

Since October 2023, Viktor Holikov, a renowned Lutsk photographer known for his work across various genres, has been serving in Ukraine's armed forces. To bolster support for the 109th Donetsk Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces, with which Holikov is affiliated, event organizers initiated an online flash mob titled "I am in 'Zerna.'" This campaign encouraged participation by inviting individuals to take photos within a designated sculpture, contributing to the brigade's support efforts.

"Thanks to my brothers-in-arms, I can be here today, as they've allowed me to attend this event," Holikov expressed. "Rather than simply asking for donations, we offer small tokens in return—magnets with images of our work, postcards, and T-shirts in covers, reflecting the authenticity of our humble venue. There's no fixed price for any item; we leave it up to each person's conscience to decide how much they wish to contribute."

During rehabilitation in Lutsk at the end of 2023, Viktor Holikov took a series of photographs of people and objects in the mirror surface of the steel sculpture "Grain." This reality so captivated the artist that it became the basis of a new project.

^{Photo: Algorithm of Action NGO} 

How does it work?

The immersive exhibition "Portal of Grain" was held on February 9 at the Center for the Development of Creative Industries "Abo Abo," organized by the platform Algorithm of Action, according to reports.

Ruslana Porytska, the director and head of the independent theater Harmyder, served as the art curator for the exhibition. Complementing the visual experience, sound designer Yevhenii Mann crafted a custom track specifically for the event's opening.

^{Photo: Algorithm of Action NGO} 

Part of the large room, which is in the process of revitalization, was converted into an exhibition hall with an area of ​​​​130 m², where more than 30 works of the artist were placed.

The exhibition lasted only five hours, combining art and support for the Defense Forces.

Photo: Algorithm of Action NGO 

"Variophoto" by Viktor Holikov. Photo: Algorithm of Action NGO 

Exhibition structure:

• "Interior portraits" are a series of photographs showcasing objects and structures in Lutsk transformed into cosmic black-and-white forms. Within these images, the reflections of people's faces in the "Grain" ("Zerno") sculpture appear blurred and mystical, adding an ethereal quality to the portraits.
• The video installation "Live Grain" featured a video projection that captured the filming process and the interaction of videographer Oleksandr Solovii with "Zerno." The video was projected onto the ceiling, with the projector ingeniously set atop a refrigerator, which doubled as an exhibition platform.
• "Piatnashka" consisted of eight plates, each displaying a separate fragment of an image from "Zerno." Visitors were invited to piece them together, forming a complete picture.
• "Variophoto. Perspective" is a dynamic photograph that transforms with the viewer's angle. Initially, it shows an image of a Lutsk building reflected in "Zerno," which gradually shifts into a photo of a broken window from a destroyed cultural school in Dobropillia.

Immersive exhibition "Zerna Portal" by Viktor Holikov. Photo: Algorithm of Action NGO 

^{Video installation "Living Grain" – projection of a video work by Oleksandr Solovei.  Photo: Algorithm of Action NGO} 

Viktor Holikov noted that he wants to develop this project, and if successful, "Variophoto. Perspective" will be the beginning of a new exhibition. In the meantime, all funds raised at the event will support the 109th Donetsk Brigade of the Territorial Defense Forces.

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