"Reverberate Ukraine" by Alexey Kondakov

100% of the auction proceeds will be donated to World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organisation that is providing fresh, nourishing meals to people in Ukraine and those displaced in neighbouring countries

Bonhams is auctioning five digital artwork NFTs by Ukrainian artist Alexey Kondakov, in partnership with Island Records, between 3 and 12 May, with 100% of the auction proceeds being donated to World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organisation that is providing fresh, nourishing meals to people in Ukraine and those displaced in neighbouring countries. Following the auction, underlying NFT technology will be used to ensure that a portion of all secondary sales revenue also goes to World Central Kitchen, creating a perpetual donation route to charity.

The "Reverberate Ukraine" collection is composed of beautiful yet sobering reflections of life before the war and the current escalating situation in Kondakov's home city, Kyiv, which has been under Russian invasion since 24 February 2022. Much like the artist's previous works, each artwork tells a surreal, powerful story and contrasts classical paintings with everyday life, captured on his mobile phone.

Alexey Kondakov commented: "Reverberate Ukraine is me showing the world what it's like living in a war. It's the only thing I can do right now, living in Kyiv. I hope people can support by sharing these works. We knew nothing about war until it came to our house. There is no war if it does not touch you. We know about WWI and WWII, but we fail to truly recognise other wars around the world. If we don't see war, we are in peace. Is humanity civilised enough to not start wars? I'm not sure. But I think humanity has the ability to end wars, by sharing love and support. This is the only path to peace. Love can heal. Care and support can melt the coldest of hearts."

The project was conceived by Island Records UK, following a collaboration between the label and Kondakov in 2019.