Sergey Melnitchenko: Art About People, War, and Community
Anna Avetova
Table of Contents
Sergey Melnitchenko is a Ukrainian photographer, founder of the MYPH School of Conceptual Photography, and an active volunteer who has continued to create art even after February 24, 2022. This episode of our podcast reveals his personal story, his volunteer journey, and the transformation of his creative practice during wartime.
Journeys and Mykolaiv: A Photo Chronicle of Movement
Before the war, Sergey lived in Mykolaiv. After the invasion, he was forced to settle in Ivano-Frankivsk.
Our base is Frankivsk, but, honestly, we’re always on the move: exhibitions, projects, aid missions,
The road, movement, and the concept of space have become central subjects of his photography and life experience in recent years.
Volunteering Through Art
From the first days of the war, Melnitchenko launched fundraising efforts via the NFT community: the initial $8,000 came from the sale of his own works in February, followed by donations from collectors and friends in the art world.
People sent me money and said, ‘You’ll figure out what to do with it,’ and I distributed it all—to volunteers, the military, and those in need.
Thus, art and activism became wonderfully intertwined photo prints, NFTs, direct donations all benefitting people, the military, and animals. Since the full-scale invasion, Sergey has raised about 5 million hryvnias.
You’re right, there’s no way back. Over these years, I’ve become close friends with so many soldiers and volunteers that it’s now an inseparable part of my life. I travel personally, deliver aid, report everything myself,
Wartime Art and Conceptual Projects
His first photo series after moving, “Dreams, Memories, and Hope,s” consisted of daily snapshots of family and friends. But in April 2023, a powerful new project emerged: “War Tattoos,” a series of medium-format film photographs that, through physical image overlays, evoke the experience and memories of displaced people and loss.
Creatively, it was hard for me, but ‘War Tattoos’ unlocked my hands and I could return to systematic work,
New ideas followed: in 2024, he realized a grant project about life during the war over thirteen cities, fifty heroes, and many stories from soldiers, volunteers, those who returned from captivity or lost loved ones. His latest (still untitled) project is a collaborative effort: soldiers photograph their lives with disposable cameras, adding personal artifacts and handwritten letters.
This is about more than photography. It's bigger, it's documenting everyday life, feelings, and reflections of Ukrainian soldiers,
MYPH: School, Community, Support for Young Talent
Melnitchenko founded MYPH in 2018, not just as a set of classes, but as a whole school of conceptual photography with over 500 students.
Our goal was never just to run courses. I wanted to grow a community that organically forms and expands after each graduation: group chats, exhibitions, participation in fairs, and publications.
A highlight is the launch of MYPH Prize, a competition for emerging photographers, which in its first year drew over 500 applications. Among the winners are Olya Koval (C/O Berlin Talent Award), Veronika Mol, Ira Kabysh, and others.
I don’t believe much in talent. For me, it’s systematic work, love for what you do, and persistence that matter most,
International Presence and New Challenges
Before the war and during the first years of full-scale conflict, Sergey actively represented Ukraine in the world's personal and group exhibitions, festivals, and fairs.
2022-23 saw lots of projects across Europe, charity sales, and immense hype around Ukraine.
Over time, this interest naturally wanes, and Sergey emphasizes the importance of now consolidating Ukraine’s place in the international arts scene with high-quality projects, not just by being in the spotlight.
Those who were given the chance to present themselves need to stay honest with their audience, not act like stars just because of increased media attention,
On UFDA
Sergey praises UFDA as an ambitious, timely project important for digitally representing Ukrainian art.
I love new teams and ambitious ideas. For photography, the format is more complicated, but I’m glad you invited me to join via NFT and digital works.
UFDA continues to document the evolution of art, collecting stories about communities, resilience, creativity, and new reflections born of our time. Sergey Melnitchenko’s art and volunteer work show the value of dialogue and support even in the hardest historical moments. Listen to the UFDA Podcast on Instagram, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.