London, UK — January 17, 2025 —
Ukrainian filmmaker and photographer Lyuba Bobrova brings a poignant narrative of resilience and adaptation to her first Art Exhibition, containing the series “Adaptation” and “The Blackouts”. The exhibition was opened on 16th of January at XYZ Gallery in Central London (5 Grays Inn Rd, London WC1X 8PH, close to Chancery Lane Tube Station) and will be opened daily 17–26 January 2025 from 12:00 to 6:00 pm.
These thought-provoking showcases, presented through striking photography, shed light on the ongoing humanitarian crisis stemming from the Russian invasion of Ukraine. The exhibition also aims to support the Ukrainian people by raising awareness and funds for the “Home Again” project, which helps rebuild lives and homes destroyed by the war.
Damian Rayne for & on behalf of XYZ (A Muse Charity for the Arts project) comments: “We are delighted to host the first show of photography by emerging talent Lyuba Bobrova. Her narratives explore lives displaced by war with technical ability and overwhelming heart. Her voice as an artist is relevant and showcases perfectly how art can impact society, sharing stories that unite us against the travesties of humanity”.
“Adaptation” and “The Blackouts” are set to debut at XYZ Gallery, offering viewers a compelling glimpse into the resilience and determination of those affected by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine. Through her lens, Lyuba invites audiences to reflect on the enduring human spirit in the face of adversity while contributing to meaningful change.
Adaptation, a series of photographs, delves into the lives of two Ukrainian families navigating the aftermath of Russian missile strikes. Captured through Bobrova’s lens, the series juxtaposes the wreckage of their former homes with the hopeful reconstruction facilitated by the “Home Again” project. Supported by Citi Ukraine and managed by the charity foundation “Peli can live” in collaboration with the Rotary Club “Kyiv Capital,” this initiative stands as a testament to community resilience and renewal amidst adversity.
Lyuba Bobrova says: “In June I’ve decided to visit some of the families, participants of Home Again project in Chernihiv region to take photos of their lives and how they adapted to their new conditions. Missiles bombed their homes at the beginning of the full-scale invasion, but the project gave them a new beginning. Even though their lives are adapted to the new conditions, the pain, fear, grief and the sadness about their past is inside those people. But the desire to continue living is in all of them and it’s stronger than anything else. And this is what I wanted to convey with my photos. That people are adapting, because people are choosing life, they have the desire to do so, Ukrainians are very strong. But we, Ukrainians, need help. This is not how life is supposed to be, people have a desire to live, that’s why they are adapting, but this is not what people should be adapting to”.
In The Blackouts, Lyuba documents the everyday resilience of Ukrainians amidst infrastructure-targeted power outages. Set in an underground shopping mall during a blackout caused by missile strikes, the collection of twelve photographs reveals intimate moments of daily life continuing despite the challenges of war. Each image reflects Lyuba’s dedication to capturing the stark reality of wartime existence and the enduring spirit of the Ukrainian people.
“Blackouts series was taken in the underground shopping mall in Kyiv during one of the power outages. Even though there is complete darkness, people continue to do their daily tasks, like shopping. They are walking with the flashlights on their phones, choosing clothes, or buying different necessary things. The darkness doesn’t scare them, and there is trust between the customers and staff. They are trying to adapt to the new difficult conditions, not losing strength and hope”, shares Lyuba Bobova.
Yulia Polishchuk: “As a curator, it is both a profound honor and a deeply emotional experience to guide Lyuba Bobrova in her first exhibition. Her work goes beyond mere documentation—it is a testament to the indomitable human spirit, capturing resilience, adaptation, and the quiet yet unyielding strength of the Ukrainian people. Lyuba’s lens tells stories the world cannot afford to ignore—stories of courage amidst destruction and hope in the face of unimaginable hardship.
While I am immensely proud to support such a powerful and poignant debut, I carry the heartfelt wish that no artist should have to begin their career shaped by the scars of war. Art should celebrate dreams, not reflect survival in the darkest hours. Yet, Lyuba has transformed pain into a global call to action, reminding us of our shared humanity and our responsibility to ensure that no one is left to adapt to the unacceptable. Through her photographs, she immortalises the resilience of Ukrainian people and urges the world to stand united for peace, renewal, and a future where creativity thrives free from war.”
This dual exhibition is not only an artistic expression but also a call to action. Visitors will have the opportunity to support the fundraising campaign for the “Home Again” project, directly contributing to the rebuilding efforts and providing hope to those affected by the ongoing conflict.
About the artist:
Lyuba Bobrova, currently pursuing studies in Content, Media, and Film Production at MetFilm School, brings a multifaceted approach to her creative work. Beyond her academic pursuits, she actively contributes to the field as a cinematographer, camera operator, and photographer, crafting impactful narratives through both photography and short film projects.
For more information about Lyuba Bobrova, her exhibitions, and how to support the “Home Again” project, please visit
lyubabobrova.format.com
pelicanlive.com
The exhibition was supported by Peli can live – Ukrainian charity foundation, Rotary Club Kyiv Capital and Rotary Academy of Ukrainian Culture and Art.
Contact:
Yana Bobrova
Co-founder and executive director at “Peli can live” charity foundation, Board member of Rotary Club “Kyiv Capital” and a member of the Rotary Academy of Ukrainian Culture and Art
yana.bobrova@pelicanlive.com
+380673210848, +447775875555