May 14, 2022 through June 08, 2022
My Sexy Chernihiv
We have made the acquaintance of Ukrainian Photographer, Bogdan Gulyay, through a mutual friend. Bogdan is one of many Ukrainians that are severely affected by the ongoing Russian invasion. Since the invasion began we have witnessed the immense courage of the Ukrainian people and also the terrible brutality that they have been subjected to. I have been in awe of the Ukrainians and the will of the people to defend themselves and be strong and defiant against this horror. I believe we have all felt this way and still do as the war goes on. We wanted to find a way to help Bogdan. I discovered his beautiful series of hand painted silver gelatin photographs.
Bogdan Gulyay lives in Kiev and spent his formative and happiest years in Chernihiv, where in 2013 and 2014 he photographed a series around the city with beautiful sites and many lovely friends and models. Shot with film and printed as black and white silver gelatin prints, the work was hand painted with a friend and the incredible series, “My Sexy Chernihiv”, was born. The work is a testament to his love for Chernihiv and it remains so, especially now. When I first saw this work I felt such sadness and remorse seeing the beauty that once was and the love he has for his town. I felt the innocence of the models and wondered how they are doing now? The colors bring the images to life with the spirit of the magical town, the happy and vibrant colors speak to a wonderful and carefree life.
My heart broke when I found out where Chernihiv was located. Chernihiv was on the front line from day one of the invasion and the fighters there were instrumental in keeping the Russians out of Kiev 50 miles to the south. The town is in ruins and is one of many areas severely affected by this immoral war on innocent civilians, the sense of loss is immense. The reports from Chernihiv after the Russian retreat are horrendous.
We are here to help Bogdan and we need you to let us do that. We are delighted to announce that we will open a Gallery Exhibit of “My Sexy Chernihiv” on May 14th. These images are visually stunning and emotionally packed, showing the strength and the will of the models and with thoughts of the beautiful city. While not all nudes, we ask that if you are not a fan of nudes that you look at these images with new eyes. One or two of these prints should be on your walls
Right Now we are releasing the prints for sale. The prints are Pigment Ink rag matte prints and printed and shipped to you by LightBox. They are available in two sizes, payment will be made to the artist via PayPal for his work and to LightBox for the printing and handling! They are available Now, today.
Bogdan’s words about this series,
“My Sexy Chernihiv” is a homage to the city I live for a long time. I painted black and white photographs in different, often not natural colours, making them to look in an unrealistic way. We always tend to give some mystical, almost magical traits to our hometown that we know for ages. It becomes special for us, with its own spirit that we like and always miss being in other places. I made these series a bit erotic, almost virgin erotic. So many pretty girls live here, and this combination of magic and erotica, used in series, is something that keen photographer could imagine in the picture of his good old city.”
I asked Bogdan to send me a short statement about him and where he is and about the work
Hello, My name is Bogdan Gulyay,
I am a photographer from Ukraine, living in Kyiv. On the 24th of February I, as many other people of my country, woke up because of the sounds of explosions. Russian missiles and artillery were attacking Kyiv, Kharkiv, Odesa, Dnipro, Lutsk and many other cities in all parts of Ukraine, bringing the new reality to the world.
Since that day, my life as well as the lives of every Ukrainian, divided to “before” and “after”. The “hidden” Russian war against Ukraine, which they waged since 2014 in the Donbas region, pretending that these are not the Russian army, but some “coalminers” and “tractor drivers” with the most modern tanks and cannons, became a full-scale invasion.
Honestly, I was doing some preparations before, as I was expecting this scenario. My most valuable belongings (computer, cameras, prints and negatives) were packed in boxes and stood in the middle of my room since the middle February. In the next few days I evacuated it to the Western Ukraine and returned to Kyiv. I have never been serving the military service so in the military enlistment office where I came after return I was told that there is no need now in civil people, they need only people with previous experience. So I found a volunteer work in a big restaurant that makes meal for Ukrainian army, and work there since the beginning of March with many other volunteers.
My photography career is on pause now. However, I want to tell you about the series of photos, that you see. “My sexy Chernihiv” started in 2013, a long time before the war, and finished in 2014. At that time I used to live in Chernihiv, north-east from Kyiv. Half of my life passed in this small beautiful city, so calm and comfortable. And these photos reflect my cordial love to the city, full of young energy and erotic then. After the Russian invasion, there were heavy battles around Chernihiv. It had been surrounded by occupants for more than 40 days, but did not surrender. Fascists destroyed 70% of city buildings, and now, when I`m writing this statement, most of the city buildings still does not have gas, water and electricity.
_Chernihiv will never be as it was before. But I strongly believe, that the city will be rebuilt and become even better. For 1300 years of its history Chernihiv seen a lot. And I want to show you just a few of its beauty, caught by the lens of my camera. _
_ Ukraine and Chernihiv need any help now. So buying my books and prints you not only help me to make a living, you also help to rebuild the city. 50% of all sales will go to Chernihiv volunteer organizations that provide humanitarian aid to the city inhabitants.“_
Bogdan Gulyay
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We feel this is a great way to get help directly to people that need it, not just Bogdan himself but his friends in trouble and organizations on the ground that are helping others, especially in Chernihiv. 50% of all sales will go directly from Bogdan to Chernihiv volunteer organizations that provide humanitarian aid to the city inhabitants.
These prints are stunningly beautiful with vibrant color showing the fortitude, spirit and beauty of the Ukrainian Country and people. Please consider a print or two or three, we would like to get some sales going now and throughout April and also throughout the Exhibit in May. Please contact michael with interest and for help ordering prints.
If you see one or two you like, and can use PayPal, pay the artist directly at ukrainebogdan@gmail.com
To Buy a print, use PayPal and pay the artist directly, asap.
Print Prices are – $100 for a 8 × 12 – $200 for a 12 × 18
Pay for the total for the number of prints and sizes you want.
these totals are to be paid directly to Bogdan via PayPal.
Bogdan’sPayPal address – ukrainebogdan@gmail.com
Copy the Paypal pdf sales receipt and send to LightBox.
Let LightBox know which images you purchased.
Printing, handling and shipping fee is $40 for 8 × 12 and $50 for 12 × 18, payable to LightBox
These fees pay for organizing, printing, pigment ink, paper, packing and shipping.
Prints are printed on Archival heavyweight rag paper with Epson Ultrachrome Ink.
Final cost for 8 × 12 ’s will be $140 and 12 × 18’s will be $250.
To Complete your print order or if you do not have a PayPal account please contact Michael at
michael@lightbox-photographic.com