A new publication exploring the history, practice, and future of photography in Ukraine is now available to read in PDF format.
Researching and Curating Photography from Ukraine: reflections, perspectives, challenges brings together scholarly essays, practitioner perspectives, and critical reflections drawn from a symposium held at Salford University in February 2024. Curated by Kateryna Filyuk and organised by Open Eye Gallery and the NGO Ukrainian Photography, the publication covers seven interconnected themes — from decolonising Ukraine’s photographic narrative and recovering fragile archives, to the radical transformation of documentary practice since the full-scale invasion in February 2022.
Kateryna Filyuk, the publication’s curator, said: “I sincerely hope that this volume will spark curiosity while also serving as a foundational tool for forming a broad understanding of photography in Ukraine.”
Sarah Fisher, Open Eye Gallery Executive Director, said: “Ukrainian speakers informed of significant cultural imperatives — from endeavours to build a documentary photography archive in Kyiv to replace the archive stolen by Russians following the collapse of Soviet rule, to acknowledging the influence and impact of the Kharkiv School of Photography, to a re-evaluation of past women photographers, to contemporary fine art photography exploring green space, and much more.”
Lucy Zoria, Head of Arts at the British Council, said: “For too long, Ukrainian culture has been viewed through the lens of others. This publication is a vital step in changing that — amplifying Ukrainian voices, reclaiming historical narratives, and inviting the world to engage with photography from Ukraine on its own terms. We are delighted to have supported its creation.”
Anastasiia Manuliak, Head of Visual Arts, Ukrainian Institute, said: “For cultures and nations that have been silenced and overlooked for too long, such as Ukraine, it is essential not only to create opportunities for research and knowledge exchange, but also to document and preserve these histories. I hope this publication will contribute to a deeper understanding of Ukrainian photography and inspire further research and future projects.”
The symposium was held alongside the launch of Home: Ukrainian Photography, UK Words — a touring exhibition curated by Open Eye Gallery’s Max Gorbatskyi and associate curator Viktoria Bavykina.
Funded by the UK/UA Creative Partnerships programme, designed by the British Council and the Ukrainian Institute.