The 312th and 311th Squadrons in the Backlight by Ladislav Sitenský

The exhibition of photographs, “The 312th and 311th Squadrons in the Backlight of Ladislav Sitenský,” on view at the Technical Museum in Brno from March 4 to June 30, 2026, presents a unique selection of war photographs by Ladislav Sitenský (1919–2009), a prominent Czech photographer and direct participant in the Czechoslovak foreign resistance during World War II.

The uniqueness of this collection lies not only in the historical value of the images capturing members of the 312th Fighter and 311th Bomber Squadrons of the RAF, but also in their distinctive visual style—Sitenský employed backlighting, which elevates his photographs from mere documentation to a powerful testimony of tension, determination, uncertainty, and hope. The silhouettes of the figures, the contrast of light and shadow, and the suppression of detail, through their artistic conception, convey the human dimension of war and the inner experiences of its participants.

The exhibition’s dramaturgy and concept were prepared by Sitenský’s granddaughter, Adéla Kándlová, who connects the author’s unique photographic perspective with the personal and historical context of his work.

The exhibition is made possible through the collaboration of Masaryk University, the Technical Museum in Brno, and the family of Ladislav Sitenský, represented by his granddaughter Adéla Kándlová.

Photo by Eva Řezáčová, ©Technical Museum in Brno