Yarema Malashchuk & Roman Khimei

In the video work by Ukrainian filmmakers Yarema Malashchuk and Roman Khimei, we follow a story of return by proxy, an avatar walking the streets that the protagonist had to flee. Some years after the beginning of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, a boy who once left the country returns – this time through a robotic dog. As his mechanical avatar roams his old neighbourhood, he meets his relatives, friends and homeless dogs – those who chose to stay in a country at war.

Through this journey, the boy reconnects with the people and places he left behind, witnessing how life persists amid destruction. By highlighting the dual role of this technology – both as a tool for military operations and as a bridge for reconnection – the work examines the complex dynamics of displacement, community and the resilience of Ukrainians separated by war.

Since 2016, the artists have been exploring the intersections of documentary and fiction to engage with Ukraine's recent history and unfolding present. Through multi-channel video installations and cinematic narratives, they capture the fractured nature of reality, where collective memory and personal experience intertwine. The duo’s practice reflects on the role of the extra, the unseen figures of history, and the ways in which individuals navigate shifting political and social landscapes.

Produced by TBA21 Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary for the 36th Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts, 2025. Supported by the Pontevedra Art Biennial.