Hope in the Rubble

These images, created in Ukraine, are a reflection of the dreams and inner worlds of children who are enduring the brutal and relentless realities of war. Every prop and costume used in the series is real, and chosen carefully to bring the children‘s imaginations to life. The magical realist settings are conceived through intimate conversations with the kids, with the support of art therapists to help them express how the war has shaped their lives and mental landscapes. The work captures not only their pain and loss but also their moments of mental escape—how they cope with fear, find solace in their imagination, and cling to fragile hopes while hiding in bunkers or mourning the loss of loved ones.
Designed as an anti-war statement, this series shines a light on those who bear the heaviest burden in conflict: children. This generation is suffering in ways that many cannot fully comprehend—losing parents, being displaced from their homes, and living in constant fear for their safety. Through these images, I aim to use art as a form of healing and self-expression for the children, allowing them to communicate their pain, dreams, and resilience in a way that words cannot always capture.
The work captures the moments when children find a fleeting sense of escape and solace–perhaps a moment of peace. Amidst the chaos, there are glimpses of how they cope with the fear, confusion, and loss they face daily. The magical settings represent the ways they retreat into their imagination, seeking comfort in a world that offers them safety and freedom from the harshness of reality. In their darkest moments, they hold on to fragile hopes, whether it’s the memory of a loved one lost or the belief that there might be a future beyond the war. These moments of light amidst the darkness reveal the depth of their resilience and the human capacity for hope, even in the most dire circumstances.
The project is also intended to offer the audience a new perspective on war—one that centres on the emotional and psychological toll on the youngest victims. My hope is that by witnessing their stories, the audience will feel a deeper empathy for the children and reflect on our shared humanity, recognising what connects us rather than what divides us. 
Throughout the creation of this project, we endured nightly bombings and daytime air raid sirens, constantly reminded of the harsh and ongoing reality that the children face every day.