Dream about double Killing (smile), 1998 - 2006

Photo on dibond // Dream about Double Killing (Smile) by Sergey Bratkov is a provocative photographic work created between 1998 and 2006, capturing a complex narrative through a single image. The photograph presents a woman dressed in vintage attire, holding a pistol in one hand and a book in the other, wearing a navy-blue cap with insignia that suggests a military or authoritarian reference. Her bright smile contrasts sharply with the darker symbolism of her outfit, which includes an SS tie, subtly invoking historical references that may feel unsettling. Bratkov’s work often explores themes of identity, social roles, and the tension between appearances and underlying truths. By juxtaposing joy with symbols of power and violence, Bratkov encourages viewers to question the narratives and emotions presented, challenging perceptions of morality, history, and individual expression in post-Soviet society.