Anna Melnykova (*1983 in Kharkiv, Ukraine) studied architecture at the Kharkiv National Academy of Municipal Economy and photography at the Royal Academy of Arts in the Netherlands. She developed her own study program in the field of visual arts and taught at various art schools in Kiev and Kharkiv. In 2020, during the pandemic, she founded the Ukrainian Women Photographers Organization. In 2021, Anna curated several exhibitions and residencies in Europe and the USA. As an artist, she is currently exploring and working with experimental techniques in photography. Her first book, „Largo“, which deals with the theme of gender in modern society, was launched during the UNSEEN Festival in Amsterdam.

Flowers of death
Andy Warhol once said when you see horrible pictures over and over again, they stop affecting on you. War produces the same effect, the only difference is that people who live in it cease to be afraid and continue to dream of a soon restoration of normal life. And those who watched from a distance and showed initial interest simply get tired of sympathizing over time. Regardless of the reaction from society and if people are tired or not, the pain remains and does not disappear.
This series is about death and destruction, but also about a destination for people from dangerous events and the ability to find the strength to live on. The bright colors and beautiful flowers are just a disguise for the true content of the photos, as well as a promise that everything will still be good and a new spring will come.