A recent photograph depicting a group of Ukrainian soldiers has gained significant attention for its representation of the ongoing cultural struggle amidst the war with Russia. Taken by French photographer Émeric Lhuisset in late 2023, the image portrays soldiers at ease, engaging in camaraderie while evoking the spirit of a famous 19th-century painting of Cossacks.
The photograph, which was staged and reflects the original artwork "Reply of the Zaporozhian Cossacks to Sultan Mehmed IV of Turkey," features modern Ukrainian soldiers in place of the historical Cossacks. This reinterpretation aims to underline the cultural ties and national identity amidst the backdrop of the conflict, as the original painting has been claimed by both Ukraine and Russia for their respective cultural heritages.
Historically, the combat depicted in the original painting conveys a sense of defiance that resonates with Ukrainians today. The Zaporizhzhia region, significant in both the painting and current conflict, has experienced ongoing Russian occupation and airstrikes, intensifying the struggle for cultural identity.
Lhuisset's project reflects a deeper examination of cultural appropriation, emphasizing that understanding the ongoing war requires recognition of this cultural context. The photograph, embraced widely within Ukraine, serves as a modern emblem of resistance, reasserting claims over cultural heritage long attributed to Russia.
In addition to its cultural implications, the project also seeks to address the devastation of Ukrainian cultural institutions due to the ongoing conflict. The plight of museums, particularly the Kherson Regional Art Museum, has prompted initiatives to restore and preserve Ukrainian art. Lhuisset has donated a large print of his photograph to support these efforts.
The photograph was showcased temporarily in Kyiv alongside empty frames from looted artworks, symbolizing both loss and resilience. It will eventually be transferred to Kherson when the museum reopens, underscoring the hope for cultural revival post-war.
For many involved, this project represents not only a cultural reclamation but also a desire to pass down the significance of this moment in Ukraine's history to future generations.