The Ukrainian Association of Professional Photographers continues to work actively abroad on a range of international projects, presenting and promoting authors from Ukraine. This time, UAPP joined the implementation of a major photo exhibition in Germany about the destruction of Ukrainian cultural heritage caused by Russia’s full-scale invasion. The idea was initiated by the German media civic organization, which facilitates cross-border cooperation among journalists. The exhibition, titled “Stronger Than Bombs,” is planned to be presented this autumn in the famous Frauenkirche (“Church of Our Lady”) in Dresden.
Stefan Günther, project manager and photo editor at n-ost “Network for Cross-Border Journalism and Eastern Europe,” approached UAPP with a request to help find, among Ukrainian authors, “powerful images” showing how churches and other religious buildings have suffered as a result of the war. The photo exhibition also aims to show how Ukrainians are trying to protect or save religious heritage from the consequences of Russia’s military actions. In addition, the German partners are looking for photographs in which Ukrainians, amid ruins, continue to use religious buildings for their intended purpose, despite Russian attempts to make their everyday lives more difficult.
“We are looking forward both to individual images and to photo series from Ukrainian documentarians that show Ukrainians caring for their culture, or simply still using culture as part of their lives, despite the Russian invasion,”— noted Stefan Günther.
UAPP project manager Olha Kovalova says that the association is always open to collaborations that help promote the work of Ukrainian authors and show the world the destructive consequences of the Russian Federation’s criminal actions, drawing the international community’s attention to the war in Ukraine.
“Without a doubt, our organizations can be useful to one another. UAPP has an established system of contacts within the photography community across Ukraine. We try to keep track of Ukrainian authors’ projects, so we will gladly contribute to promoting them. Stefan asked us to find photographers who fit the concept of his new project. We were happy to respond and help—first with consultations and then with co-curation of the project,”— Olga explains.
Photos from Ukraine will be on view at the exhibition in Dresden from 12 September to 20 November 2024.
The church’s website has already announced the project:
“The exhibition with large-format and photographically outstanding images shows the wounds that Russia’s war of aggression in Ukraine has left on the cultural landscape—and thus on the lives of the people of this country.”
Previously, ahead of the “Stronger Than Bombs” exhibition, n-ost had already prepared the photo initiative “Next Station Ukraine.” The project was shown at metro stations in several major German cities.
This material was produced with the support of The Fritt Ord Foundation.
Worked on this piece:
Topic researcher, text author: Vira Labych
Photo editor: Viacheslav Ratynskyi
Literary editor: Yuliia Futei
