Donbass Chocolate 1997

"Donbass Chocolate" is a 1997 black and white photograph by Ukrainian artist Arsen Savadov. The image captures a group of coal miners in a dark, underground setting. The miners' faces are obscured by coal dust, highlighting the harsh conditions of their work. The title, "Donbass Chocolate," alludes to the region's coal industry and the black dust that covers the miners, creating a stark contrast to the delicate image of the ballerina's tutu, hinting at the artist's interest in juxtaposing beauty with the harsh realities of life. The work explores themes of labor, identity, and the human condition, and is a powerful example of Savadov's photographic style, which often focuses on the marginalized and the overlooked.