Open 4th – 8th & 11th – 15th June, 12-4pm
Other times by appointment
Souls and Bodies: Photographs by a Fallen Ukrainian Hero is a powerful exhibition of frontline images by Volodymyr Rakov, a 30-year-old Ukrainian dancer-turned-soldier who was killed in battle.
The exhibition runs from 2nd June to 15th June 2025 in the Gallery at Art Space Portsmouth, in partnership with Rakov’s friend, Olya Andrushko.
“On January 6, 2025, in Chasiv Yar, my closest friend, Volodymyr Rakov, was killed by the Russian army at his post. He will never read my message about this exhibition in our chat. This is the most painful loss of my adult life. I will always love him, cherish our friendship, and, above all, be grateful to the greatest warrior – for my safe life.”
A celebrated dancer in Kyiv before volunteering for the army in 2013, Rakov documented life amid war with striking compassion – capturing fellow soldiers and the animals he tried to protect.
“This exhibition is not about death, it is about life,” Olya says. “He had the most beautiful and creative heart. He is not here anymore, but many others are still fighting for all of us. While you look at these photographs, remember: these are real people. Some of them are gone. Some will be killed in the future. This is the reality of Ukrainians today.”
Olya Andrushko will be one of the people presenting at our 20×20 artist talks on 5th June.