Help fund the Portrait Ukraine 2023 project.
In August of this year, I will embark on my third journey to Ukraine since the full-scale Russian invasion, alongside fellow photographer David Graham. My first trip took me to the Ukraine/Poland border within weeks of the invasion, where I documented the harrowing refugee crisis as millions of Ukrainians sought safety and shelter. A few months later, I returned to Ukraine to document the devastating aftermath of Russia’s missile strikes and military attacks, witnessing firsthand the human toll on the people of Ukraine. The images captured during these journeys have garnered widespread recognition, being published by numerous print outlets and featured on various broadcast media platforms. They have also been showcased at exhibits, raising thousands of dollars for non-profit organizations providing vital aid to Ukrainians impacted by the war and those courageous individuals on the front lines who are defending Ukraine’s freedom.
This time, our mission, named the Portrait Ukraine 2023 project, is to locate and photograph individuals whose lives have been profoundly affected by the war. These include those who have endured the destruction of their homes or businesses, individuals with life-changing physical or psychological injuries, and those who have experienced the loss of children, parents, friends, and much more. Through this portrait work, our intent is to distill the war into individual visual stories of tragedy and suffering, creating a personal encounter experience and connection between the viewer and the brutal reality of the war. We also anticipate discovering personal stories that reflect the extraordinary courage and resilience of the Ukrainian people and will share them as part of the Portrait Ukraine 2023 project.
This project is self-funded as with most of my previous human rights photography endeavors. To help offset travel and professional expenses, I am offering limited prints of images captured during my journey from Lviv to Odesa in July of last year. While a camera cannot fully capture the breathtaking majesty of the Ukrainian sunflower fields stretching to the horizon, these prints aim to convey a small part of the indescribable beauty of the Ukrainian countryside.
Prints are limited to 50 per image and are printed on cotton rag paper at 12” x 18”. Prints will be numbered and signed and are priced at $350 each. They can be purchased through the provided link or by contacting me directly at allan@allanmestel.com or at 941 807 7676
A more comprehensive exposition about my work in Ukraine can be read on Spotlight Ukraine, here and here. Other articles about my work have been published in the Sarasota Observer and Sarasota Magazine.
