In 2024, I began my new project, Hell Was Full. I aim to create a diverse but coherent portrait series. I hope it to be a consistent, sincere, and heartfelt collective portrait of the defenders of Ukraine.
There’s a notion of portraying soldiers in a very distinct manner with all the bravado, ammunition, tanks, and drones. It’s natural to think of defenders in this visual way, but I’m interested in a more intimate look at the subject. Being always interested in creating a simple portrait, I usually prefer to keep military paraphernalia out of the picture. For me, the very quiet portraits in pretty quiet places give the space for reflection and deepen the feeling of the hell that awaits these soldiers on the frontlines.