He graduated from the Repin Art College in Kharkiv, Ukraine. Bratkov is one of the most striking representatives of the so-called Kharkiv school of photography founded by Boris Mikhailov. Bratkov’s characteristic mix of brutal documentalism and ironic staging provides for a biting critique of the post-Soviet transition. Besides Regina Gallery in Moscow and Pinchuk  Art Centre, Kiev, Bratkov had his solo exhibitions held at major art institutions in Europe (including Haus der Photographie, Hamburg, 2010; BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, Gateshead, 2007; S.M.A.K., Gent, 2005). He also took part in many major group shows (The World Belongs to You, Palazzo Grassi, Venice, 2011; Progressive Nostalgia, Centro per l'Arte Contemp. Luigi Pecci, Prato, 2007; 2nd Moscow Biennial, 2007). Sergei Bratkov represented Russia at the 50th Venice Biennale and 4 years later Ukraine at the 52nd edition.