Exploring the Scars of War: A photographer’s Journey Through collective Memory
The Eye of Photography,in partnership with MPB,a leading platform for buying,selling,and trading used photo and video equipment,presents a new chapter of its “Carte Blanche” series. This month features the work of Maru Kuleshova, a Ukrainian photographer whose powerful images delve into the complexities of collective memory in the face of war.
Kuleshova’s “Flicker” series is a deeply personal exploration of how the 2022 Russian invasion of ukraine has impacted her own memories and the collective memory of her nation. Her work uses photography as a means of processing trauma and understanding the lasting effects of conflict.
“One moment and the morning light would slip through the gap between the curtains. And with memories. How many have accumulated in me since the war? After Russia launched a full-scale war in Ukraine in 2022, I began to research more into the mechanisms of collective memory and post-memory. Thinking about such things led to a lot of questions accumulating,memories overwhelming me and settling inside like dust,” kuleshova reflects.
Kuleshova found solace and a creative outlet in photography,using it to express the emotions that words couldn’t capture.”Photography became my companion on this journey and allowed me to find ways to explore war through non-verbal language,” she explains. “It was as if all my frozen feelings of the past few years, so tightly wrapped in a shroud, began to break free and settle into photographs as the only language where silence and frozen time intertwine.”
For this series, Kuleshova utilized the Sony a7s iii camera and the Sony FE 24-70mm f/2.8 GM lens, provided by MPB.She also experimented with a monocle as a lens, noting, “the softness inherent to this technique gives the photographs a sense of lightness and seems to thoroughly subdue all the complex content of my current research.”
Human Fragility in the Face of Calamity
Kuleshova’s images poignantly depict the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring power of human connection amidst unimaginable hardship. The series focuses on how human fragility and relationships strive to persist during times of immense suffering, offering a powerful visual narrative of hope and perseverance.
Born in 1980 in Abrau-Durso, Russia, Kuleshova currently resides in France and participated in the artistic residency of the Cité internationale des arts in 2024. A self-taught photographer,she has witnessed firsthand the limitations of language in conveying the trauma of war,describing it as “a territory of unspoken human experience.”
Kuleshova’s work resonates deeply with the ongoing global conversation surrounding the impact of conflict and the importance of remembering and understanding its consequences. Her powerful images serve as a testament to the enduring human spirit and the power of art to transcend the limitations of language.
Armenian Photographer’s Lens Reveals Scars of War, Preserves lost Memories
A new photography exhibition is bringing the human cost of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict into sharp focus. Through powerful images, the work explores the lasting impact of war on the lives of Armenians, offering a poignant visual narrative of loss and resilience. The exhibition features the work of an Armenian photographer who, deeply moved by the stories of those affected, embarked on a mission to preserve their memories before they fade into oblivion.
The photographer, whose identity is being withheld for privacy reasons, explained her motivation: “After the second Karabakh war, I began exploring the memories of people who had experienced this fate. Immersing myself in these memories generated a powerful tactile contact with images, thoughts and memories that could be apprehended through visual language.Photography then ‘became an act of love, an attempt to preserve memory and intimacy, from oblivion.'”
The exhibition offers a glimpse into the lives irrevocably altered by the conflict. It’s not just about the physical scars of war, but the emotional and psychological wounds that linger. The photographs capture the quiet dignity of survivors, the haunting emptiness of abandoned homes, and the enduring strength of a community grappling with immense loss. The images serve as a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict, a cost that extends far beyond the battlefield.
Connecting the Global to the Local: Understanding the Impact
While the conflict may seem geographically distant to many Americans, the themes of displacement, loss, and the struggle for peace resonate universally. The exhibition serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring consequences of war, echoing similar experiences faced by communities across the globe, including those impacted by conflicts closer to home. The photographer’s dedication to preserving these memories highlights the importance of remembering the human stories behind geopolitical events.
The exhibition is a testament to the power of art to transcend geographical boundaries and connect us to the shared human experience. It’s a call for empathy,understanding,and a commitment to building a more peaceful future. For those seeking a deeper understanding of the human impact of conflict, this exhibition offers a profound and unforgettable experience.
More information on the exhibition’s location and dates can be found [Insert Link here].
