The project «Beasts of the Apocalypse» immerses the viewer in the grim reality of the village of Zaitsevo, situated on the frontline where war has left deep scars on both the land and the souls of the people. This corner of Donbas, now under Russian occupation, has become a symbol of struggle and survival despite daily catastrophes. A local resident left this territory before the full-scale invasion but decided to leave something important behind as a farewell. He created unusual sculptures from old tires — they resemble heroes filled with meaning and symbolism. These creations look very strange and may evoke images of monsters or fairy-tale characters, reflecting the fears and hopes of those living beside the war.

Inspired by the concept of the Apocalypse, the project considers it as a complex and multifaceted symbol that has gained particular significance in the context of war. Throughout its nearly two-thousand-year history, interpretations of the Apocalypse have changed, and in Donbas, a unique language has emerged, born from the symbols of conflict, capable of describing the indescribable.

The tire sculptures become not only elements of junk art but also an important act of street art that claims territory and asserts the right to space and life. Through this art, the local resident seems to declare, «This is mine!» — intertwining the personal with the public and establishing a connection between individual experience and collective memory of the war.

Photographs taken in Donbas before the beginning of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine capture this dramatic moment, showing how art can serve as a means of expression and overcoming adversity. The project «Beasts of the Apocalypse» serves as a platform for reflection on human destinies in times of war and how artistic expression can give a voice to those who have been overlooked.

Donbas. Zaitsevo 2022