Beyond the Frame 7/
Ukraine — Stories of two years of war, a children’s charity in Ukraine and Portraits of new UK Members of Parliament.
A Train through Ukraine
As news of yet another atrocity in Ukraine hit the headlines, I was reminded of this recent article, written by Shaun Walker, with photographs by Kasia Stręk.
Events that hit the headlines (far less frequently now that the war in Ukraine is well into its third year and has become less “newsworthy”) provide important updates, but they don’t necessarily offer an insight into the effect upon people’s lives. This is why the kind of unsensational, long-form reporting found in this article is so precious.
In the course of a 900-mile train journey from near the front towards the border with the EU, the journalists interview and photograph passengers, sharing their stories of upheaval, trauma, resilience and hope.
Soldiers, lovers, an actor, a tour guide… and Matushchak, the Train Manager, share their personal experiences.
Some train managers are stern figures who have little time for chit-chat, but Matushchak loves to interact with her passengers. Sometimes the soldiers she meets don’t want to talk, but other times they pour out their emotions, in lieu of therapy. She has heard many sad stories over the past months, but she remembers some happy ones, too.
There’s something about the stretched time and gentle rhythm of a long train journey which elicits thoughtful reflection. Travelling away from the front line towards the relative safety of family and friends must bring a growing sense of relief and a desire to share experiences. The article provides a small but important insight into the lives of people affected by war.
It isn’t a ten second, headline read but it’s well worth a few minutes of your time, even if only as an excellent example of how well-written words and great photography can complement each other so effectively.
Night Train to Odesa by Jen Stout
I’ve been reading Jen Stout’s vivid account of the war in Ukraine, Night Train to Odesa. The Scottish freelance journalist has travelled extensively in the region and her empathetic first-hand accounts from “night trains, birthday parties, military hospitals and bunkers” is a compelling read.
What I particularly appreciate about Jen Stout’s writing is how she’s able to reveal the truth of a bigger picture by describing the everyday details of lives lived in the most trying of circumstances.
The Kindle edition is currently on sale, incredibly only £2.89, and I can highly recommend it.
Behind Blue Eyes
A Ukrainian charity has provided disposable cameras to children who are documenting their daily lives in the war-torn region.
The charity Behind Blue Eyes helps children show their own perspectives of life amidst war and the resulting photographs are used to raise funds for humanitarian aid.
“Kids tend to photograph the places they feel good in, even if these places have been damaged or razed to the ground.”
You can learn more about Behind Blue Eyes in this article in the British Journal of Photography.
You can follow the Behind Blue Eyes project on Instagram.
You can help buy cameras by making a donation to Behind Blue Eyes with PayPal.
I can’t sign-off this edition without mentioning last week’s UK General Election.
Polling Day brought the usual tense anticipation, which was somewhat alleviated by what has become a tradition — sharing photos of dogs waiting outside Polling Stations.
The Labour Party landslide victory brings an end to 14 years of Conservative Governments. Newly elected parliamentarians have been sworn in and official appointments have been announced.
The UK’s Chancellor, Rachel Reeves, is the first woman to hold the post. Women now make up 40% of the Members of Parliament, the highest percentage ever.
Politics (almost) aside, the Prime Minister’s X/Twitter feed boasts an impressive collection of portraits featuring inspiring women who now hold senior positions.
A pleasing official portrait is, of course, no substitute for meaningful policy action but there is something reassuring about these new photographs of proud, smiling women. One might be forgiven for feeling optimistic.
Whatever one’s political persuasion, it would be churlish not to wish these women all the grit and determination they will need to succeed.
I’m heading to Wimbledon for the Ladies’ Final on Saturday and to find a suitable venue to watch England win the Euros on Sunday. It is, of course, very much coming home. 🎾⚽️😬🤞🏼
”Sharpness is a bourgeois concept.” — Henri Cartier-Bresson