Another face of the war.

This is Oksana.

The war in Ukraine has several faces.  When the war broke out in Charkov, Oksana was diagnosed with breast cancer. She got very ill and was evacuated to the Netherlands, where she was treated. Unfortunately, breast cancer came back after the treatment and now her condition is very bad. Despite this, she took the chance to be photographed by Caroline Sikkenk for our European exposition BOLD. 

Oksana is staying in a refugee shelter, trying to make the best of the days she has left.  She is a brave and kind woman, dealing with 2 wars… We want to support Oksana by showing how beautiful she is, despite all the difficulties she is going through.  By sharing her photographs she can be an inspiration and empower other women who are fighting breast cancer. 

Recently Oksana's husband got exceptional permission to leave Ukraine to pay her a visit. We are happy they got the chance to be reunited for a while and wish them all the strength they need.

BOLD Expo

Caroline Sikkenk has photographed women who have lost their hair following chemotherapy or as a result of intensive radiation therapy. For most women, losing their hair can be a very upsetting experience.

Once the hair is gone, a different kind of beauty emerges. Other features draw our attention; delicately or strongly outlined cheekbones, cheerful freckles, the shape of the lips, a certain sparkle in the eyes. The hair no longer detracts our attention from the pure beauty of a face. Faces that in the absence of the framework normally provided by hair, radiate strength, emotion, and femininity.

It takes courage to let others see you without your hair. Not only are these women ‘bald’, but they are also above all ‘BOLD’: strong and courageous.  BOLD is not only an awareness campaign, above all, these women empower other women who are in the same situation.

Think Pink Europe continues to support the BOLD Expo in 2024.  The Expo is currently traveling in Spain (Canarian Islands) and we are also shooting new photos in London (UK) at the moment.  Every time the exhibition travels to another country, new local models are added.  We hope to bring the BOLD expo, with the photos from Oksana, to Ukraine in the near future.