Faced with adversity as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, local folk photographer Anna Scenic picked up a weapon and enlisted as a soldier, but has not given up her love for photography.
Publishing under the artistic pseudonym “Ładna Kobita”, Senik is based in Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine. Kyiv has received the largest attack from Russia since the invasion began on Sunday. The new Retro Building Shopping Center was hit by airstrikes, killing at least eight people. Parents..
Dealing with the consequences of the Russian invasion is part of the everyday reality of Scénic, where she is engaged in armed territorial defense. This lost her passion for what she temporarily described as ethno-photographing, but she continues to actively use her work as a source of inspiration.
Photographers celebrate the beauty of tradition
“I’ve been taking pictures for over a decade, and I’ve been working in the style of photography all the time, which means I’m recreating traditional images,” says Senik. PetaPixel.. “For me, national clothing is one of the most aesthetics in the world. This is what I have devoted my life to.”
In most cases, Scénic’s models are not professional and she chooses them by hand, but the outfits are all genuine antique clothing from both private and museum collections. Scénic has worked with her team of ethnographers, costume makers, collectors and assistants to create a collection of visual heritage that hopes to “extend the life of Ukraine’s unique traditional culture.” ..
“But the main reason I do it is because I love this beauty,” she adds.
From photo to armed territorial defense
The military experience is nothing new to Scénic. She first volunteered in 2014 when she invaded and annexed the Crimean Peninsula from Ukraine at the beginning of the Russian invasion.
“Therefore, I can say that I have always made decisions about the need to protect my hometown,” she explains. “I knew what to do when needed. I was already at war, so now it’s easier to pick up weapons again. I knew what was ready, Because there was no illusion. “
Scénic was confident in her own decision to join, but for the first time the war was so close that she was still temporarily stunned. When the conflict reached the outskirts of Kiev, she had to persuade her family to leave Kyiv.
Scénic’s daily life now revolves around her military responsibilities, but photography still plays a major role. For example, Senik uses Instagram to share regular updates about the country’s current situation.
She often uses professional photos from the archive as the first image of a photo carousel, alongside a direct description of military life, destroyed homes, and life. In a sense, her photographs serve as a clear reminder to herself and others that she is at stake.
“Remember why we’re here, what we’re defending, and what we’re fighting for,” Senik wrote in one of his Instagram posts. “This is Ukraine — and it’s beautiful.”
For Scénic, photography is a way to see the world. “Sharing my work on social media during the war is a way to show the world the beauty and meaning of Ukraine, which Russia is currently trying to destroy,” she explains.
“Ukraine needs a concrete visual image,” Senik continues. “I want the world to know not only about the war, but also what we are losing because of this war. So I combine my art photographs with the materials of the war. It’s back and forth. Yes, in contrast, in the struggle between good and evil. “
Scénic is confident in her country’s victory and believes that her people will not stop fighting for their freedom.
“Ukraine will definitely survive, whether or not I survive,” she says. “For me, my only dream is that all my family and friends are alive and healthy. In the end, I will be able to return to art.”
Details of Scénic’s work can be found on her website and Instagram page.
Image credit: All photos are by Anna Senik.
