Valery Poshtarov's photographic series explores unspoken bonds between fathers and sons across cultures

Sofia-based photographer Valery Poshtarov has created an extensive photographic project titled 'Father and Son' that examines masculinity, tenderness, and unspoken connections between male relatives. The series features portraits of fathers and sons holding hands while gazing directly at the camera, with backgrounds carefully chosen to reflect each pair's cultural heritage. Poshtarov intentionally creates a sense of discomfort during sessions to reveal vulnerability and authentic emotional states. The project has expanded across multiple countries including Bulgaria, Georgia, Turkey, Italy, and France, functioning as a form of visual anthropology. Poshtarov has recently compiled the work into a photobook featuring a hand-drawn heart on its blue clothbound cover.