At CodeIT Innovation, we believe that true progress is impossible without a foundation of human values and historical truth. As a digital partner, we don’t just build software; we support the cultural projects that define our shared future.
We are proud to host a special preview of “Living Shield: Echoes” right here in our Bergen office. This poignant photography exhibition by Ukrainian veteran and documentary artist Nastya Konfederat is more than just a collection of images; it is an intimate look at the souls who stand as a barrier for the free world.
The Art of the "Split Reality"
Through a sophisticated double-exposure technique, Nastya merges studio portraits of Ukrainian defenders with raw, unfiltered frontline images captured on the heroes' own mobile phones. These layers represent the intersection of a life interrupted and a spirit that refuses to be erased.
In these frames, the inner world of the individual—their dreams, their past, and their future—bleeds into the harsh reality of the trenches.
From Creators to a "Living Shield"
Every person featured in this project was a creator before the full-scale invasion:
- Musicians who traded bows for rifles.
- Directors who now view the world through thermal scopes.
- Writers and artisans whose hands now hold the line.
In some images, a musical instrument or a camera quietly peeks through the camouflage, reminding us that if not for Russian aggression, these paths would still be defining their daily lives. For these veterans, returning to creativity is not a hobby—it is mental health recovery. Through sound, movement, and pattern, they are rebuilding their connection to themselves and to a civilian world that often feels fragile and distant.
Read more about the photos and people on them.
Why This Matters for Norway
The "Living Shield" is not a distant metaphor. These individuals have stood for years not only for Ukraine’s sovereignty but for the collective security of Europe and the democratic community. The ambitions of imperial aggression do not end at the Ukrainian border; they concern the shared peace we enjoy here in Norway.
This project highlights that a capable army is, first and foremost, a mentally healthy army. True healing begins where a person is permitted to remain themselves, even after the harrowing experience of war.
About the Artist
Nastya Konfederat is a Ukrainian photographer whose voice was forged during the social transformations of 2014. Her work focuses on human dignity, vulnerability, and the complex identity of those who chose to defend their country while maintaining their civilian artistic souls.
📢 Open Call: Bringing the Echoes to Bergen and Oslo
This office installation serves as a pilot and a promo for a much larger vision. We are currently issuing an Open Call to the Norwegian cultural community.
We are actively seeking:
- Gallery Partners and Curators
- Cultural Institutions
- Corporate Sponsors
Our goal is to bring a full-scale version of “Living Shield: Echoes” to major public venues in Bergen and Oslo. We invite you to witness this preview and help us amplify these stories on a national stage.
Visit us at Kokstadflaten, 11 in Bergen.
To discuss partnership opportunities or hosting the full exhibition, please contact Ivanna Martyniv @ ivanna.martyniv(A)codeit-innovation.com