Photographer Maryna Syrovatka reflects on her emotional journey capturing the stories of those affected by the war in Ukraine and her new project that documents these experiences.
Maryna Syrovatka, a Ukrainian photographer living in Bratislava, has shared poignant experiences from her work in a Ukrainian-Slovak aid line. She recalls a moment when an elderly man from a remote Slovak village called, deeply moved and in tears after confirming the news of the war he had only heard on the radio. This emotional episode illustrates the immediate impact of the conflict, not only on those in Ukraine but also on those in surrounding countries like Slovakia who are closely following the events. Syrovatka conveys the collective sorrow felt in her office that day, emphasizing the human suffering caused by the war.
In response to the ongoing crisis, Syrovatka has dedicated herself to helping fellow Ukrainians by assisting with evacuations and sourcing medical supplies and temporary housing. However, as the scale of the need grew overwhelming, she found solace and purpose in returning to her primary passion: photography. This shift allowed her to channel her experiences and emotions into capturing the stories of those who have been forced to flee their homes, focusing on the emotional moments that accompany such upheavals.
From her efforts came the project and book titled 'Don't worry, I'm fine,' which features a collection of photographs and narratives that reflect the struggles and resilience of individuals escaping conflict. Syrovatka aims to ensure that the memories of these experiences, including the poignant farewell of an 8-year-old girl to her toys, are preserved. Through her work, she hopes to foster understanding and empathy regarding the realities faced by those impacted by war, while also contributing to the broader narrative surrounding the Ukrainian crisis.
