Ukraine: Farnham photo exhibit shows "powerful portrait" of the impact of war
Today marks two years since the Russian invasion of Ukraine
Two years on since the invasion of Ukraine by Russian troops, a photo exhibit in Farnham looks to show the impact of the war, from the perspective of women.
"Unbowed: Stories of Ukraine" led by photographer from Kyiv, Natalia Sharomova, launches today at The Gallery at Creative Response, on West Street, and will run until the 15 March.
The photography and stories showcased have been produced by a group of Ukrainian women in Surrey, who met through an arts-for-wellbeing programme in Farnham.
The project, made possible through funding by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is a collection of the women's personal experiences of leaving their homes, friends and family in their home country of Ukraine.
It also tells their experience living in the UK and the ongoing trauma of the war.
Lead artist and photojournalist, Natalia Sharomova, said:
“This photo project is about gentle and resolute women.
"These are not only our stories. I believe they can support and inspire others not to give up, even if you have lost everything."
The Ukraine art group was set up in November 2022, under Natalia's leadership, who taught portrait photography to the group.
All of the photographs in the exhibition were taken by group members using their newly learned skills. Each portrait is accompanied by a personal story.
Kathryn McManus, chief executive at Creative Response, said:
“We are very grateful to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for their support, which has made this project possible.
"This exhibition is an important record of the experiences of members of our Ukraine art group, as well as a stunning exhibition of portrait photography.
"I hope many people in Farnham and the surrounding area will join us for this powerful and moving exhibition.”