Ivan Smolyar

Known by his pseudonym Johnny Cosmic, Ivan Smolyar is a Belarusian photographer celebrated for his vibrant portraits and candid shots within the Belarusian cultural scene. After relocating to Warsaw in 2022 due to political pressures in Belarus, he gained recognition for his personal photography exhibition, which showcased the faces and stories of various Belarusian artists and public figures. A former programmer, Smolyar found solace in photography, documenting the solidarity and resilience of his fellow countrymen during tumultuous times. His work reflects a deep connection to the Belarusian community, and he aspires to capture the essence of significant figures like Svetlana Tikhanovskaya and Volodymyr Zelensky.