Bringing Human Stories of Displacement to Life

OVERVIEW

The Inner Light project began with an invitation from the Irish Red Cross and Fighting Words to collaborate on a meaningful initiative aimed at humanizing the experiences of those displaced by the war in Ukraine. As millions were forced to flee, statistics and news reports often obscured the personal impact of the crisis. Inner Light sought to counter this by highlighting the individual stories of Ukrainian women who had found refuge in Ireland. Through my photography, I aimed to visually capture the dignity, resilience, and emotion behind their experiences.

“This project documents the plight of these brave Ukrainian women who left family, homes, and livelihoods behind to make the difficult and life-changing journey to this country. This project is a beautiful and unique testament to their experiences.”

- DEIRDRE GARVEY | SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE IRISH RED CROSS

CREATIVE APPROACH

The creative approach for Inner Light was rooted in authenticity and connection. My role was to capture not just the physical presence of these women, but the emotions they carried—their pain, strength, hope, and resilience.

These images, combined with personal reflections written in collaboration with Fighting Words, created a dual narrative that provided a fuller, more nuanced understanding of each woman's journey. The result was a multidimensional storytelling experience that allowed the audience to connect emotionally with these women on a personal level.

OBJECTIVE

The primary goal of Inner Light was to humanize the conversation around displacement, ensuring that the voices of those affected by the war were heard. During a time when statistics and media reports were forming a dehumanizing portrait of those fleeing the conflict, this project sought to bring the focus back to the individuals—the women who left behind family, homes, and livelihoods.

The project aimed to foster empathy and understanding among the public by presenting these personal stories in an accessible and deeply moving way. The combination of intimate photography and raw, personal reflections created a powerful narrative designed to engage and connect audiences to the human impact of war.

KEY INSIGHTS

During the process of creating Inner Light, I was consistently moved by the resilience and strength of the women I photographed. Each story was unique, filled with loss, uncertainty, and hope. Whether it was a woman separated from her family, unsure if she would ever return to her homeland, or a mother determined to rebuild her life for the sake of her children, these stories revealed the full complexity of displacement.

The exhibition itself was a poignant moment. Displayed at Pearse Station, Dublin, it brought these personal stories into a public space, inviting commuters to pause, reflect, and engage with the narratives. This direct engagement with the public was a crucial part of the project’s impact, offering a chance for people to connect with the lived experiences of these women in a very tangible way.

“It gets right to the heart of pathos and the human experience of conflict."

NEVILLE COX | TRINITY COLLEGE DUBLIN

“I haven’t tangoed since the invasion, finding it difficult to allow myself to feel alive, when every day brings death and suffering to my homeland. That’s why a lot of tango dancers in my country changed their tango shoes for military boots.”

- ANTONIA

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OUTCOME

The Inner Light project successfully brought the voices of Ukrainian women into the public consciousness. The exhibition at Pearse Station, supported by Trinity College Dublin and Irish Rail, created a public dialogue about the impact of the war on individuals and families.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with audiences deeply moved by both the stories and the images. The project served as a reminder that displacement is not just about numbers and headlines but about real people who carry with them complex emotions and life-changing experiences. The accompanying Inner Light book, first launched at the Concert for Ukraine at Vicar Street, ensured that these stories would continue to reach new audiences and inspire empathy and action.

“I’m a scout. I need to be prepared. I’m a mom, I need to be doubly prepared. I’m packing food into several backpacks, so if we get split up, everyone will have something to eat.”

- OLHA

“Two months after I started ballet school, the war began. My ballet shoes—I’d been dreaming about them all my life. My husband packed them and sent them to me.”

- KATIE TARASHENKO

Coordinated by the Irish Red Cross, Ukrainian Action, and Roddy Doyle’s Fighting Words, the project culminated in a public exhibition at Pearse Station and the Irish Central Bank in Dublin. A concert at Vicar Street, featuring beloved artists from both Ireland and Ukraine, further amplified the project's impact. An Inner Light book, published by Fighting Words, accompanied the project and was widely covered in the press, including a feature article in the Irish Times. Launched on Ukraine’s National Day of Independence, the exhibition was inaugurated by Ukraine's Ambassador to Ireland, Gerasko Larysa. Supported by Trinity College Dublin and Irish Rail, the exhibition presented these personal stories alongside evocative portraits, serving as a poignant reminder of the human toll of the conflict while celebrating the bravery of those displaced.

CONCLUSION

Inner Light is a testament to the power of personal storytelling in times of crisis. Through the collaboration of the Irish Red Cross, Fighting Words, and Ukrainian Action, we were able to bring the human faces of the Ukrainian war into focus. My photography, alongside the deeply personal stories of these women, helped to create a project that not only raised awareness of the crisis but also honored the strength and resilience of those affected.

In a time when numbers often overshadow the human experiences behind displacement, Inner Light stands as a reminder that each person’s story is unique and worthy of being heard. The exhibition and book offer a powerful, emotional connection to those displaced by war, reminding us of the importance of empathy and solidarity in the face of such profound challenges.