The body remember

Photo project

They say that after a severe wound, time ceases to be linear. Life shatters into two shores — “before” and “after.” Between them lies a chasm of physical pain, loneliness, and long months of rehabilitation, where every single step must be fought for against one’s own weakness. It is a journey of a newly found identity, where a prosthesis becomes not just a piece of technology, but a part of a new strength, and familiar things take on a completely different value.

The series of works titled “The Body Remembers” is not about trauma as such. It is about the personal catharsis of those who managed to walk through the darkness and return to the light. Often, this life “after” becomes even deeper and more whole than the one that came before. It is a story of incredible endurance and the unconditional acceptance of one’s new self. It is about the quiet heroism of daily victories over obstacles that remain invisible to the outsider’s eye.

These portraits are an honest mirror of the war. It exists not only in the news or the ruins of cities; it lives in every scar, in a changed gait, in the lines on the body that have become a living map of memory. Even when the pain subsides and the mind finds peace, the body continues to guard its story. This memory is not a burden — it is a testament that the person stood firm.

“The Body Remembers” project is an invitation to an honest conversation. There is no safe distance or loud slogans here. In the silence of the studio, only two remain: the person and their experience, etched into every gesture and gaze. Look into these faces. Touch these scars with your gaze. The body will tell the truth about the war more accurately than any words, for it does not know how to remain silent about what it truly means — to be alive.

“The idea for this project was born out of a desire to show the strength and dignity of male beauty beyond trauma, as society often views veterans through the prism of pity, losing sight of the person themselves. The turning point was a memory from three years ago, when my 12-year-old son, while helping me design a presentation on bionic prosthetics for our foundation, asked: “Mom, why are the photos so sad? These people — they are beautiful.” These words made me reflect on why we display our defenders exclusively through pain. Meeting photographer Stanislav Strilets put everything into place — our vibes matched perfectly, and in the process of working together, ‘The Body Remembers’ project was born.

For me, it is crucial to shift the focus of how Ukrainian warriors are perceived and to prove that they are not symbols of tragedy, but strong, deep individuals who have not lost themselves. This is a story not only about art but also about photo therapy: I see how a sense of their own self-worth returns to the guys through the lens and through respect. Today, as the project garners a powerful response worldwide following international meetings, I am certain that ‘The Body Remembers’ is a potent part of cultural diplomacy. It is our way of reminding humanity that behind every story of war stands a personality who deserves not pity, but sincere admiration.”

Olena Chernovolova

Founder of the "Dopomogator" Charitable Foundation

“The idea for a series of works dedicated to severely wounded fighters arose from a desire to show a wide audience those who paid a heavy price for our freedom and peace. Beyond this, I sought to discover new meanings in my own art. In the conditions of war, my understanding of art, humanity, and my place in photography required a complete re-evaluation.

At the beginning of the project, I felt certain hesitations because the theme of the series is painful and uncomfortable; furthermore, I did not know if I would be able to establish contact with the veterans based on trust and honesty. Purely from a technical standpoint, my intention was to minimize the distance between the viewer and the veteran. The very first shoot showed that I had chosen the right path. The intimate space of the studio and the contrast-rich, monochrome imagery allowed for the necessary emphasis on the emotions and experiences of the series’ heroes. And the more I worked on the series, the more I became convinced that it is not so much about trauma, whether psychological or physical, as it is about the brightest sides of the human soul. About the ability to return and unlock one’s potential.”

Stanislav Strelets

Ukrainian photographer, publicist, traveler. A professional photographer, designer, and videographer since 2001. Works in the genres of portrait, commercial, and conceptual photography.

Project Heroes

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Maksym Huban

Veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

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Ali Mamutov

Veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

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Dmytro Starikov

Veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

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Yevheniy Kholodnytskyi

Veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

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Yaroslav Tymitskyi

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Masi Nayyem

Veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

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Eduard Budnik

Volunteer of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, participant in the Russian-Ukrainian war.

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Viatcheslav Kasumov

Veteran of the Russian-Ukrainian war.

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Artem Korolev

Veteran. Born on January 24, 1991 in the city of Hulyaipole, Zaporizhia region. He served in military unit A4438 (23rd separate special forces battalion).