The idea for this project emerged about two years ago. At the time, while observing the events in Ukraine, I came across many stories related to migration and the horrors of war. However, I was particularly interested in a different aspect: what happens to people after they relocate? How do they adapt to a new life, and what challenges and temptations do they face?

When I met Oleg and Andrei, they shared their story, which became the inspiration for this series of photographs. I wanted to focus not on the past but on what follows: adaptation, emotional experiences, and new challenges. I had known Oleg for a long time, and our unexpected reunion in the same city encouraged us to collaborate on this project.

For this project, I used a pinhole camera and slide film. The pinhole camera allows the duration of a moment to be expressed through blurriness and softness in the image, evoking a sense of anxiety or stress.

For instance, when one of the protagonists appears blurred in a photograph, it symbolises tension, while joint scenes feel more stable, emphasising their mutual support. I also selected locations with distinct visual and symbolic significance. For example, a signpost with multiple directions but no labels symbolises uncertainty about the future. Collaborating with the couple, I often discussed ideas beforehand, allowing us to create images that reflected not only my vision but also their personal experiences.

My education in fields like artificial intelligence, advertising, and neuroscience helps me combine different approaches in my creative work. I aim to fill my images with symbols and emotions to better convey the protagonists’ experiences.

At the same time, I work on themes that go beyond reality, such as the »Venusian Dreams« project, where I explore solitude and self-reflection. For me, art is a way to better understand myself and the world around me.

Collaboration was key. Oleg brought his expertise in working with LGBTQ+ and human rights themes, which enriched the project with new meanings. Many of the photographs were the result of joint discussions.

For example, the final image, where the protagonists sit on a fallen tree, symbolises a moment of reflection about their future. Initially, I wanted to confine them within the walls of an apartment to convey the fear of the outside world. However, thanks to Oleg’s input, we added an outdoor scene to convey optimism, hope, and a readiness to move forward.

This story is very personal to me, as I’m also in the process of migration. I moved from Belarus three years ago to study in England. Although my migration wasn’t politically motivated, the adaptation process wasn’t easy. The stress was compounded by the war in Ukraine, as my relatives remain in Minsk. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community, I am also familiar with themes of rejection and alienation. While England is much more tolerant, the traumas of the past still leave their mark. This project became not only a story about the protagonists but also a reflection of my personal experiences, which I continue to process.

This project highlights the challenges of adaptation, whether in terms of LGBTQ+ identity or migration in general. It is both deeply personal and universal, as many people who change countries and cultures go through similar stages: denial, acceptance, adaptation, and integration.

I believe such stories are important because they create space for empathy and allow people to see reflections of their own emotions, feel less isolated in their struggles, and gain the strength to find their own

path.

Art helps move civilisation forward ethically and morally. It sheds light on important issues, evoking an emotional response in viewers that can shift their perceptions. For instance, the challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community can become more relatable through projects like ours. Art is not just a reflection of the world but also a tool for its transformation.