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2025-01-30

UKRAINE: A SNAPSHOT OF REALITY

The exhibition will run from January 31 to February 28, 2025.

“Ukraine: A Snapshot of Reality” is a documentary exhibition in which three creators – Eduardas Pontežis, Tomas Jenkelevičius, and Antanas Čeponis – share the stories of people impacted by the war in Ukraine. The exhibition features a collection of photographs depicting war-torn Ukraine alongside a documentary film that shares deeply personal narratives about life during wartime, the raw spectrum of human emotions, and the resilience to endure in the face of adversity.

This project emerged from a voluntary initiative: during humanitarian aid trips to Ukraine, the creators captured the realities they encountered, documenting both what they saw and what they heard. The photographs depict ruins and the aftermath of war, as well as the daily lives of people – from desolate urban streets to families and their quiet struggles of daily life. Each image is a micro-narrative that reveals the impact of war through personal destinies.

At the heart of the exhibition lies its emotional core – the documentary film, which captures shared accounts of wartime experiences, offering glimpses of both despair and hope. Every scene reflects the duality of war – the senseless destruction it causes and the fragments of humanity that manage to endure despite the chaos. One of the exhibition’s most striking themes is emotional resilience – the ability of people to find meaning even in circumstances where meaning seems lost.

Tomas Jenkelevičius, one of the exhibition’s creators, shares: “We aim to show the human stories behind the statistics. The reality of war is far more than headlines or numbers. Often, even a brief conversation can be enough for someone to open up, allowing us to truly hear their emotions and experiences. These encounters become a kind of therapy – not only for them but also for us.”

This exhibition is far more than just a display of images or film. It is a call to action, an invitation to reflect on the meaning of civic engagement and how we can support those in need. Tomas adds: “We aim to show that social initiatives are always possible. Whether it’s helping refugees, addressing violence, or supporting other social causes, there are endless opportunities. Through our example, we hope to inspire others by demonstrating how creativity and compassion can intertwine to make a difference.”

The visuals in the exhibition are not overly dramatic or aesthetically stylised – each photo or film scene is grounded in the authentic experiences of real people. The creators aim not to shock but to narrate – this authenticity is rooted in the creators’ personal connections with those affected by war, lending the project a rare sincerity.

Presented at the Kaunas Ninth Fort Museum, the exhibition gains an added layer of meaning in the context of historical memory and human rights. Through its carefully curated details, the exhibition offers a broad yet intimate exploration of human connection, bringing visibility to lives and stories that might otherwise remain unseen. “Ukraine:  A Snapshot of Reality”  is a profound and thought-provoking narrative that compels viewers to pause, meet the gaze of those portrayed, and reflect on the stories that linger behind each face.

©KNFM / Exhibition curator Eglė Pietarytė

The documentary can be watched on weekends during the museum’s opening hours (showing continuously). The duration of the film is 20 minutes.

Last page update: 2025-01-30 16:49:25