Since Vladimir Putin’s invasion of Ukraine began on February 24, Alexander Gronsky has been observing how his fellow citizens continue to live through the conflict. «I take sides against the war as a human being. There is nothing heroic about it.» The Russian photographer Alexander Gronsky, born in Tallinn, the Estonian capital, in 1980, is nevertheless doubly threatened: with prison because of his commitment and with being sent to the front because of the «partial mobilization» decreed by the leader of the Kremlin. Arrested during the commemoration of a former opponent of Putin, killed in late February 2015, Gronsky has already had to deal with the authorities in his country. But despite the risks, he chooses to stay in the country to fight, in his own way, and to witness. 

The exhibition «Something Is Going On Here» opens with an image of a pro-Kremlin demonstration in the heart of the Russian capital. To these screams of support, Alexander Gronsky responds with silent, refined, subtle and sometimes ironic paintings, in which Muscovites appear like extras in a play. As the bombs fall on Ukraine, the «landscape photographer», as he defines himself, turns his lens towards the suburbs of the city where he has lived for more than fifteen years. His images, presented for the first time in the Polka gallery exhibition and published in a book under the title [02-24-2022], show that the conflict does not disturb the daily life of Muscovites. Everything seems normal. 

«I don’t like the obvious,» says Gronsky. I am wary of binary views and the simplification of information.» His work questions, without seeking to provide answers. Instead, he explores complexity through the richness of detail. «It is not my role to be in direct opposition to the regime. My work is deliberately neutral. I prefer to keep it that way so that it doesn’t turn into propaganda for anyone. And I do what I can to help.» 

Last April, he was the one who initiated the charity operation «Three Days for Ukraine», organized by Polka and in which 37 other artists participated. The amount of sales reached 110,000 euros and the entire net profit was donated to the Fondation de France to help Ukrainian families. 

His commitment continues. Within this exhibition, a composition of 22 prints in 30x40 cm format is proposed in a special edition of 20 copies at the price of 250€. Part of the profits will be donated to the Fondation de France. «Art is the most appropriate way to speak out», he summarizes.