Russian-Ukrainian photographer Sergey Bratkov (born in 1960, Kharkov) considers himself firstly as an artist, even a sculptor.
From the "A Police Relay" series, 2003
One could say that I want to make painting from the photography. But really I want to do rather a sculpture which has a shape, volume, mass. The scupture is closer to the photo I think. I shoot really different. Traditionally the photography is emotional, especially amateur shots. But I do not shoot emotionally and my composition is also different. For example I almost don’t use the central focus. In addition the light and shadow are very important for the traditional perception of the photography but for me it doesn’t matter.
Sergey Bratkov, artist
From the "Prison" series, 2000
From the "Prison" series, 2000
From the Prison series, 2000
From the "Prison" series, 2000
From the "Prison" series, 2000
From the "Sailors" series, 2001
From the "Sailors" series, 2001
From the "Sailors" series, 2001
From the "Sailors" series, 2001
From the "Sailors" series, 2001
From the "Sailors" series, 2001
From the "Sailors" series, 2001
His work is really reminiscent of installation. He makes great pictures, built-in light boxes.
Formats I use are also unusual, often enormous. The question of installation on the walls become important. And picture really becomes a sculpture, especially if it's a light box. I have already made light boxes both embedded in the wall in the forms of the cross and the band (plus - minus) or built into the barrel.
Sergey Bratkov, artist
From the "There's No Paradise" series, 1995
From the "There's No Paradise" series, 1995
One of the most memorable projects by Sergey Bratkov was the exhibition "Children's Horror" (2000, Regina Gallery). There were staged photographies on horror stories that children tell at the night in dormitories. In the Soviet Union used to be such a "black pioneer folklore». I shudder even now. Any horror film pales besides them.
From the "Children's Horror" series, 2000
From the "Children's Horror" series, 2000
The theme of trash is probably the main now because there is a lot of garbage around.
Sergey Bratkov, artist
From the "Kids" series, 2001
From the "Princesses" series, 1996
Official bio of Sergei Bratkov. | 
