A special project will be unveiled on June 27: the charitable foundation “Dopomogator” in collaboration with photographer Stanislav Strilec will present the series “The Body Remembers.” The photographs feature Ukrainian soldiers who lost limbs in the war and are starting new lives. We discuss the project’s mission in an article on Vogue.ua.
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“I had an immense desire to showcase the strength, courage, and dignity of male beauty beyond trauma. I was concerned that society often views veterans through the lens of loss, pain, and pity, as this perspective sometimes overshadows what’s most important—the person themselves. Their strength. Their character. Their inner light. It was crucial for me to shift the focus of perception, both in Ukraine and internationally. To present Ukrainian defenders not as symbols of tragedy, but as strong, beautiful, profound individuals who have endured war yet retained their sense of self,” shares Olena Chernovolova, founder of the CF “Dopomogator” and the originator of the “The Body Remembers” project.
Founder of CF “Dopomogator” Olena Chernovolova
Initially, it was conceived as a mere photography project, which evolved into the “The Body Remembers” series when Olena and photographer Stanislav Strilec observed that the photographer’s work had a therapeutic effect on the young men who had survived the horrors of war.
Stanislav’s objective was to minimize the distance between the viewer and the veteran: “Initially, I felt some hesitation because the series’ theme is painful and uncomfortable, and moreover, I wasn’t sure if I could establish a relationship of trust and honesty with the veterans,” he admits. However, after the very first photoshoot, there was no room for doubt: “The intimate studio space and the high-contrast, monochrome imagery allowed for the necessary emphasis on the emotions and experiences of the series’ subjects. And the more I worked on the series, the more convinced I became that it is not so much about trauma, psychological or physical, but about the brightest aspects of the human soul. About the ability to return and realize one’s potential,” explains the photographer.
The series of black-and-white portraits, “The Body Remembers,” invites society into a dialogue about how life is divided into “before” and “after”; about people rediscovering themselves and their bodies; about what resilience truly means; about the quiet heroism of daily victories over obstacles unseen by the outside eye.
“Today, I see our project resonating far beyond Ukraine’s borders. After international meetings, including one in Brussels, people from various countries have approached me, sharing this idea: human dignity does not vanish after trauma. They are open to supporting us in raising global awareness. In this regard, art can speak more powerfully than any political statement. This is precisely why, for me, this project is a part of Ukraine’s cultural diplomacy. It’s our way of reminding the world: behind every war story stands a living person who deserves not only support but also sincere admiration,” says Olena.
The exhibition will feature photographs of over 20 Ukrainian veterans who, despite severe injuries, continue to live and believe in a better future. The project’s presentation in Kyiv will take place on June 27 at the “Kyivska Troianda” space, and the photo series will be accessible to everyone for two weeks.
Next, we invite you to meet some of the participants of the “The Body Remembers” project, who possess the strength to smile even after all they have endured.
Oleh Symoroz
Volunteer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, participant in the Ukrainian-Russian war, human rights defender, public and political figure.
You can lose a part of your body, but it’s crucial to maintain your spirit.
Stanislav Shumskyi
Veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war.
We all share one dream! I deeply wish for my brothers and sisters in arms to return to their families, to their homes. May our children live happily, free from anxieties.
Oleksiy Prylutskyi
Veterinarian. Veteran of the War for Independence.
I don’t see any particular strength in myself. However, I see it in others, and that inspires me. The same goes for courage.
Yevhenii “Tages” Kolontaievskyi
For me, courage is the ability to defend one’s position in any situation, always to speak the truth, and to face problems directly rather than avoiding them.
Vladyslav “Mazay” Ryzhyi
My only dream while the war continues is for everyone to return to their families, for peace to prevail, and for me to be able to visit all the fallen friends who gave their lives for Ukraine’s independence.
Viktor “Kuznets” Bohoyavlenskyi
Active military personnel, veteran, head of the Uman Veterans Corps.
Strength is not about the absence of fear. It’s about the ability to keep one’s word, responsibility for one’s people, and the capacity to rise after moments when you were expected to be written off.
About the charitable foundation “Dopomogator”
The charitable foundation “Dopomogator” was established in 2017. It originated from the idea of assisting low-income families and the elderly. In 2023, a new phase of the foundation’s development began, focusing on providing support for prosthetics and rehabilitation for military personnel and civilians.