Stop War: Photo Series for Ukraine

My name is Yaro, I am a photographer currently living in Warsaw. Since the beginning of the Russian invasion, over 3,000,000 Ukrainian refugees have been received in Poland. This is an increase in the population of just under 10% in less than 90 days.

 

I lived in Poland in the 70’s, during communism, before me and my parents escaped to Austria. I was a refugee myself, before we immigrated to Canada. I understand the political issues of this war, the danger of Russian Imperialistic ambitions but most importantly, the injustice and pain of war. The memories from those times as a kid, how I felt living in a country where there was no freedom are all too real yet again. The Polish people are very aware that Ukraine is not only fighting for their own freedom but they are fighting for Poland’s freedom as well. That is why I decided to do something today as an artist to help the Ukrainian people. That’s where my idea came from for this photo shoot.

 

The proceeds from this initial campaign will be distributed in the following manner: 60% will go to help the production efforts of this project happening on May 22 in Poland and the remaining 40% will go to the below three NGOs.  Once the work is complete in 2 weeks,  all proceeds (100%) from the sale of the work via prints, digital media, etc will go directly to benefit the following NGO's working hard to provide hope and relief to Ukrainian populations: Doctors without Borders , Sunflower of Peace and Voices of Children .

 

The Concept

During the month of May, the Polish countryside is transformed into dramatic oceans of yellow flowers. The Rapeseed plant and its intense yellow flowers are common in both Poland and Ukraine and are used to make some of the finest cooking oil. In the next 2 weeks, the flowers will bloom creating a vivid backdrop with the sky resembling the Ukrainian flag. We will bring in a working Russian T72 tank into the middle of the vibrant field, literally representing the unwanted intrusion into Ukrainian soil. An angel will be the only opposing force capable of stopping this destructive force.

 

 

Russian T72 Tank

 

The Rapeseed field

 

 

The Ukranian angel.

 

 

This project is not only about the war in Ukraine but a message to stop the war forever, where ever it may occur on our planet.

 

 

The Team

 

YARO - Photographer

VIOLA SPIECHOWICZ - Polish Fashion Designer

ADAM ZEBROWSKI - Polish Graphic Artist

KATARZYNA PSODA - Casting Director

ROBERT WAJGEL - Producer

NATALIE OSMA - Producer

 

"A hero is a man who did not have the courage to become a coward." - Osho

Follow my Instagram account to get updates and to see behind-the-scenes during our production process: https://www.instagram.com/yaroville/