Donbass Chocolate 1997

Arsen Savadov's 1997 photograph "Donbass Chocolate" depicts a group of coal miners, their bodies covered in black soot, in a stark, industrial setting. The miners are stripped down to their underwear, with one man in a tutu, creating a jarring juxtaposition of masculinity and femininity. The image is a powerful commentary on the harsh realities of labor in the Donbass region of Ukraine, highlighting the stark contrast between the physical labor of the miners and the idealized world of ballet. The photo's gritty realism and provocative imagery make it a striking and unforgettable work.