Photographer Yelena Yemchuk, who was born in Kyiv and later moved to the United States, has opened her first exhibition in her native Ukraine. The show, titled "Mnemosyne," is currently on display at the Naked Room Gallery in downtown Kyiv, running from November 4 to November 30.
The exhibition was inspired by Yemchuk's return to the country in August 2024, her first visit since the beginning of the full-scale war. The experience prompted her to create new work and revisit her extensive archives, resulting in a collection that bridges past and present.
Key Takeaways
- Photographer Yelena Yemchuk's first exhibition in Ukraine, "Mnemosyne," is open at the Naked Room Gallery in Kyiv.
- The show was conceived after her first return to the country since the start of the full-scale war.
- "Mnemosyne" features new portraits alongside previously unseen archival photos from the 1990s and early 2000s.
- The exhibition explores themes of memory, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit amidst conflict.
A Return That Sparked Creation
Yelena Yemchuk's journey to her first Ukrainian exhibition began with a personal trip. She arrived in August 2024 with the simple intention of reconnecting with family and friends.
Initially, she felt she had nothing to add artistically to the conversation. However, the atmosphere in Ukraine profoundly affected her. "At first, I didn't think I had anything to say, I just wanted to be here," Yemchuk stated. That feeling soon changed as she reconnected with the city and its people.
She described being drawn to an "incredibly strong female energy" that she felt permeated the country. "I always felt like Ukraine was a woman," she explained. This inspiration led her to pick up her camera again. "I just kept falling in love with every tree, with the wind, with the flowers, and the girls... So, I said, you know what? Actually, I do want to take some pictures."
A Cross-Cultural Project
"Mnemosyne" is the second part of a larger cross-cultural initiative connecting Kyiv and Marseille. Organized by The Naked Room and Kolektiv Cité Radieuse with support from the Institut Français in Ukraine, it follows the first part of the project, "Ithaca," which was exhibited in France earlier this year.
Inside the "Mnemosyne" Exhibition
The invitation from the Naked Room Gallery gave Yemchuk's visit a new purpose. She began not only capturing new images but also delving into her past work. For the project, Yemchuk started digitizing negatives from her first trips back to Ukraine in the 1990s and early 2000s.
This process of looking back while experiencing the present shaped the exhibition. "Mnemosyne" now includes these previously unseen archival photographs alongside new collages and the portraits she took during her recent stay. The result is a dialogue between different eras of her life and Ukraine's history.
Despite the context of war, Yemchuk found an overwhelming sense of love and appreciation for life. She noted this feeling was one of the most powerful things she witnessed.
"It's this understanding of what life is, the understanding of what love is, the understanding of human relationships, and this appreciation for the moment. It's the most beautiful thing I've ever experienced. I think that's what happens when you're living in a reality where you could die at any moment."
The Artist's Distinctive Vision
Born in Kyiv in 1970, Yemchuk has built a celebrated career that moves fluidly between fine art photography and commercial projects. She is known for directing music videos for bands like the Smashing Pumpkins and for her evocative photobooks, including "Odesa" and "Gidropark."
Timeless Portraits
A hallmark of Yemchuk's photography is its dream-like, surreal quality, which she often achieves by using natural, shifting light rather than controlled studio setups. This approach makes light an emotional component of the image.
However, she believes the core of her work is the relationship she builds with her subjects. This trust allows her to capture intimate and timeless portraits. "I try to avoid a 'time frame' in my photos, so to speak," Yemchuk said. "I try to make my photos timeless, so when you're not sure if it could have been taken in the 1970s, 1990s, or today."
An Instinctual Process
Yemchuk describes her method for choosing subjects as purely instinctual. She doesn't plan her encounters but rather follows a sudden compulsion to photograph someone whose energy captures her attention. "I'm obsessed with faces, but also the energy that person has," she shared. "Sometimes, you can just immediately pick up on a person's energy."
A Career Shaped by Ukraine
Though she moved to the United States as a teenager, Ukraine has remained a central influence in Yemchuk's life and art. Her work consistently explores themes of memory, identity, and her connection to her homeland.
Her photobook "Malanka," for example, documents a traditional New Year's folk festival in Chernivtsi Oblast. The images contrast the vibrant, elaborate costumes of participants with the muted, snowy landscape, showcasing her unique use of color and environment.
The "Mnemosyne" exhibition represents a significant moment, bringing her decades-long artistic exploration full circle. It presents a body of work that is not only a reflection on her personal history but also a testament to the enduring spirit she found upon her return to Kyiv.