TITLE: Into the Dark

No bright flowers or tender leaves here. Shadows dance in the wind, branches twist like claws of unseen beasts, and silent, eyeless idols rise from the earth. This is a realm of dark fairy tales, yet it feels like home—more than sunlit parks or bustling streets. The path is hidden, but I know it. Step carefully over the stones, follow me. Move softly, hear the icy minutes drip and seconds drift like snowflakes. This forest grows in my frozen heart.

AUTHOR: Niko Sokol (Russian Federation)

My name is Nikolai Mikhaylenko (pseudonym — Niko Sokol). Since 2008, I’ve been in love with the art of photography, and from 2017, I’ve focused on black-and-white analog photography, preferring classic techniques and hand-crafted wet printing. I work with formats from 35mm to 4×5, selecting tools and materials to enhance the visual and emotional impact on the viewer.

Exhibition Participation:
- Vernissage of photo clubs at the Photo Parade in Uglich (2018) – Photo Club "A-2"
- Exhibition by Photo Club "SVET" (2018)
- Exhibition by the creative association "Totomars" in Belgorod (2019)
- Closed screening at the art space of Belgorod Photo Club "Perspektiva"* (2019)
- Vernissage of photo clubs at the Photo Parade in Uglich (2019) – Photo Club "SVET"
- Exhibition "In the Circle of Light" at the House of Ozerov Cultural Center, Kolomna (2021)
- Longlisted for the "Young Photography" Festival (2025), exhibition participation with the series "Into The Dark"

Competitions:
- Special Jury Mention in the "Still Life" category at the Sobrovin Gallery Competition (2019)
- 1st Place in the "Self-Portrait" category at the Uglich Photo Festival's "Photosuska" (2019)
- Honorable Jury Mention at the Monovision Awards for the series "Into The Dark" (2025)