In 2014, when Russia invaded Ukraine, the Jewish-Russian photographer Edward Kaprov was determined to document the ongoing conflict in the Donbas. He chose a unique approach—the collodion photographic process, which was first used during the Crimean War of 1853-1856 — to capture this moment in history. With support from Polka Magazine, his journey took him through Kharkiv, Kherson and Bakhmut with his camera in hand.
Kaprov’s documentary showcases difficult scenes of devastation and its impact on civilians living in the war zone. His photographs vividly depict everyday life under Russian occupation—from moving moments of people helping each other survive to men gathering outside military bases. Through these images, he reveals both the physical and emotional toll of this conflict on innocent victims of war.
He also captures intimate portraits of Ukrainian soldiers battling for their freedom, bravely facing an overwhelmingly powerful enemy with unwavering courage and an insurmountable spirit. According to Kaprov, this is a story about resilience despite horrors that can never be unseen.
Kaprov’s remarkable exhibition should not be missed. His work provides a glimpse into the ongoing struggle and turmoil faced by Ukrainians today. To get a better understanding of what is happening there, watch his compelling documentary—a poignant testament to human strength amidst unspeakable tragedy and suffering caused by war.
