Photographer Youry Bilak will showcase his powerful work titled "Scènes de Front" (Front Scenes) at the Mémorial 14-18 Notre Dame-de-Lorette in France. The exhibition presents a thought-provoking exploration of how war is represented through photography, challenging viewers to question the authenticity and construction of wartime imagery.
The exhibition raises fundamental questions about the codes and conventions used to depict warfare in visual media. Bilak's work asks whether staged photographs taken on actual battlefronts with real soldiers can be considered faithful representations of war, or if they constitute entirely fictional constructions. This inquiry into the nature of war photography forms the core of the artist's conceptual approach.
Bilak traveled to the Ukrainian front lines carrying a carefully curated selection of some of history's most famous art historical icons. His ambitious goal was to recreate these masterworks using Ukrainian soldiers as subjects, staging the iconic compositions against the backdrop of actual conflict. This unique artistic process bridges the gap between classical art and contemporary warfare documentation.
The photographer's aesthetically driven approach offers a fresh perspective on visual literacy regarding images of war. This innovative method of examining war photography aligns perfectly with the educational mission that the Mémorial 14-18 Notre-Dame-de-Lorette has made central to its programming over recent years. The memorial has consistently focused on helping visitors develop critical thinking skills about how conflict is portrayed and understood through visual media.
The exhibition "Youry Bilak: Scènes de Front" will run from October 11 through January 4, 2026, at the Mémorial 14-18 Notre Dame-de-Lorette. Visitors can find additional information about the exhibition at the memorial's official website.
