JOURNEY TO EDEN @ DIGITAL WINDOW GALLERY
6 May - 12 May 2024
To accompany our MARRIAGE (IN)EQUALITY IN UKRAINE screening and discussion we are featuring “Journey to Eden” photoproject on our Digital Window Gallery.
‘Journey to Eden’ (2023-2024) by photographer Siarhei Yazlavetski and art director Aleh Razhkou, is a poignant documentary photography series that delves into the profound self-reflection of a gay couple from Eastern Europe. This couple found refuge in London against the tumultuous backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, capturing their emotional journey through evocative imagery.
Through the ingenious use of long exposure and other techniques, the photographs aim to vividly illustrate the couple’s profound anxiety and emotional turmoil. The deliberate distortion of their bodies during the extended exposure mirrors the chaos of their past and present uncertainty, creating a powerful visual metaphor. Amidst this turmoil, some images gently capture their intimate moments, accentuating the idea that their unwavering love and support provide solace and strength, much like the vibrant plants that adorn their Eden-like home.
This project delves into the themes of resilience, sanctuary, and monogamy. It raises thought-provoking questions about the impact of migration on a relationship—has their love evolved or transformed since moving to the UK? The alluring world of open relationships and a multitude of potential partners presents new opportunities, but also potential challenges. Through a series of mesmerizing slide photographs, the project invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of love and partnership in the face of change and to witness the blossoming of an intimate sanctuary amid the uncertainty of their lives.
In “Journey to Eden,” the pinhole camera’s unique qualities serve as a storytelling device, capturing the physical and emotional turbulence of the couple’s journey while highlighting the beauty and resilience of their loving partnership. The project presents a compelling exploration of migration’s impact on love, drawing viewers into an evocative narrative that challenges preconceived notions and prompts reflection on the universal themes of love, sanctuary, and the pursuit of happiness.
Aleh Razhkou, a Cultural Projects Director from Belarus now residing in London, is passionate about exploring xenophobia and the pathways to its eradication through his latest works. In a continual state of experimentation and self-observation, Razhkou collaborates with fellow creators, utilizing art as a universal language that bridges diverse communities. He places a special emphasis on the recognition and acceptance of the queer community in society.
Siarhei Yazlavetski, a London-based photographer originally from Belarus, specializes in landscapes and documentary photography. His work explores self-reflection and surreal worlds, inviting viewers to introspect. With accolades including exhibitions in Minsk and honourable mentions, Yazlavetski’s precision, honed through his background in software engineering, defines his approach. Exclusively using film cameras of various formats, he crafts images with philosophical depth, drawing from his diverse educational background. Captivated by photography from a young age, Yazlavetski now shares his unique perspective with the world.
To accompany our MARRIAGE (IN)EQUALITY IN UKRAINE screening and discussion we are featuring “Journey to Eden” photoproject on our Digital Window Gallery.
‘Journey to Eden’ (2023-2024) by photographer Siarhei Yazlavetski and art director Aleh Razhkou, is a poignant documentary photography series that delves into the profound self-reflection of a gay couple from Eastern Europe. This couple found refuge in London against the tumultuous backdrop of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, capturing their emotional journey through evocative imagery.
Through the ingenious use of long exposure and other techniques, the photographs aim to vividly illustrate the couple’s profound anxiety and emotional turmoil. The deliberate distortion of their bodies during the extended exposure mirrors the chaos of their past and present uncertainty, creating a powerful visual metaphor. Amidst this turmoil, some images gently capture their intimate moments, accentuating the idea that their unwavering love and support provide solace and strength, much like the vibrant plants that adorn their Eden-like home.
This project delves into the themes of resilience, sanctuary, and monogamy. It raises thought-provoking questions about the impact of migration on a relationship—has their love evolved or transformed since moving to the UK? The alluring world of open relationships and a multitude of potential partners presents new opportunities, but also potential challenges. Through a series of mesmerizing slide photographs, the project invites viewers to contemplate the complexities of love and partnership in the face of change and to witness the blossoming of an intimate sanctuary amid the uncertainty of their lives.
In “Journey to Eden,” the pinhole camera’s unique qualities serve as a storytelling device, capturing the physical and emotional turbulence of the couple’s journey while highlighting the beauty and resilience of their loving partnership. The project presents a compelling exploration of migration’s impact on love, drawing viewers into an evocative narrative that challenges preconceived notions and prompts reflection on the universal themes of love, sanctuary, and the pursuit of happiness.
Aleh Razhkou, a Cultural Projects Director from Belarus now residing in London, is passionate about exploring xenophobia and the pathways to its eradication through his latest works. In a continual state of experimentation and self-observation, Razhkou collaborates with fellow creators, utilizing art as a universal language that bridges diverse communities. He places a special emphasis on the recognition and acceptance of the queer community in society.
Siarhei Yazlavetski, a London-based photographer originally from Belarus, specializes in landscapes and documentary photography. His work explores self-reflection and surreal worlds, inviting viewers to introspect. With accolades including exhibitions in Minsk and honourable mentions, Yazlavetski’s precision, honed through his background in software engineering, defines his approach. Exclusively using film cameras of various formats, he crafts images with philosophical depth, drawing from his diverse educational background. Captivated by photography from a young age, Yazlavetski now shares his unique perspective with the world.
