Porcelain War

Slava Leontyev sculpts delicate porcelain figures. His partner, Anya, illustrates them with exquisite images inspired by Ukraine’s natural environment. The couple and their dog Frodo live in Kharkiv, not far from the Russian border. As the conflict intensifies, Slava swaps his kiln for the firing range, training people from all walks of life to defend themselves. The couple’s long-time friend, refugee artist and DP Andrey Stefanov, vividly documents the determination of ordinary Ukrainians to hold onto their homes, way of life and memories. Anya’s beautifully animated illustrations and the stirring music of Ukrainian band DakhaBrakha passionately underscore the vibrancy of a culture under threat.