Donbas – an open fracture

An exposition of the Sievierodonetsk photographer’s works has recently opened at the Oles Honchar Oblast Universal Scientific Library in Kherson. After the Kyiv exhibit several Ukrainian and foreign clubs of photographers have taken interest in Skomorokh’s work. The Kherson-based club of photographers “Fresh Look” was the first to send an offer and subsequently presented the works by the author from Luhansk region in the oblast library.

Kostiantyn Skomorokh is a member of the National Union of Photo Artists of Ukraine. He resides and works in Sievierodonetsk. In his photos he shows the turbulent and painful period suffered by his homeland. “Silent” occupation by pro-Russian military people, intimidation of the population, looting, ruined houses and destinies. Later – the aftermath of battles for liberation, life of Ukrainian servicemen, and work of volunteers. Kostiantyn Skomorokh told The Day how the exhibit “Donbas – an open fracture” took shape, his impressions from the work in extreme conditions, and the idea he wants to bring to people via his photos.

“I have been working as a photographer for many years. But I used to work as a journalist, heading one of the local TV studios. I have never thought I would have to come back to this work, make report shooting, react to the events professionally. But life has forced me to do this,” Kostiantyn Skomorokh said, “Since Maidan events in Sievierodonetsk, the situation has been complicated. I saw that people, for the most part, didn’t understand what was going on. The public was actively ‘warmed up’ by the pro-Russian forces. These were Communists, Party of Regions MPs, priests of the UOC MP. One of them was by far the greatest leader of the revolts against the Ukrainian power and patriots. But as soon as he felt danger, he ran away to Russia. I recall that a patriotic flash mob was supposed to take place in our town in April. But the thugs were brought to the venue. They beat the people, tore and burned down the flags. I hardly managed to save the equipment, but I had to sacrifice the flash card. Then the seizure of buildings began. The town was gradually occupied by unknown armed people. Many locals cooperated with them. They went to meetings and volunteered for the paramilitary forces.”

A CHECKPOINT NEAR MYRNA DOLYNA AND THE VILLAGE ITSELF HAS BEEN SHELLED BY TERRORISTS MANY TIMES

And in spite of the risks you were facing you decided to record the events?

“Many people left the town during the occupation period. I took my family to Kharkiv oblast almost with a scandal. I stayed in Sievierodonetsk. I was simply observing the events, documenting them from time to time. However, it was impossible to shoot openly. People were grasped in the streets, often for no clear reason. Once we were shooting a wedding. The cameraman and I were waiting for the newly-weds in the yard. An unknown man with an automatic gun approached us, ‘Are you reporters?’ – ‘No, we are at a wedding.’ Otherwise I don’t know what could have happened to us.”

“I HAVE NEVER THOUGHT THAT I WOULD MAKE SUCH A PHOTO”

Where have you worked except for Sievierodonetsk?

“Actually, my town didn’t suffer much, unlike other towns. After the liberation I traveled across neighboring towns. There I made impressive shots, like photos of seriously damaged buildings in Lysychansk. There have been serious combat actions. At night one could see Grad shells flying. The bandits were acting in a classic way. They were shelling from the yards of multistoried buildings, hospitals, and schools. Therefore there was much ruination in Lysychansk. I was one of the first people who saw it, when I came with the volunteers to bring bread, clothing, and necessary things for the people. You see, I am mentally tough, but what I saw impressed me. The whole lines of electric supports were brought down, only an oven and a vent pipe remained from one house, another one had a huge hole made by a shell. I have never thought I would make a shot like that. I was born in Lysychansk, and later left it. So, through holes were made in the hospital where I was taken when I was four. And this building – incidentally, it was built at the beginning of the 20th century – looked nice and had thick walls.”

How did you come up with an idea to unite the works into an exhibit?

“From time to time I publish my photos on Facebook. Once a well-known Kyiv photographer, Andrii Chekanovsky from 9X12 Club saw them. He offered to gather these photos, invited me to Kyiv, found premises, and the exhibit took place. I saw that people took interest in my work. I have received responses and invitations from Odesa oblast, western Ukraine, Poland, and Lithuania. Now I will try to supplement the exposition, because there are plenty of topics and heroes for shooting.”

“I ASK PEOPLE TO THINK RATIONALLY”

As a witness of heated events in Luhansk oblast, how can you assess the current situation in Ukraine?
“In spite of the horrors suffered by Ukraine, I am sure that many right things have been taking place over the 23 years of independence. Many people have finally made up their mind that they are citizens of their country, that they are patriots. The society has brightly shown who is who: a patriot or a separatist who is so stubborn that it is impossible to prove evident things for him. We have acquired new senses, feelings, connections between the east and the west, which we badly needed. Russia has become an international gangster. And now the most important thing for Ukraine is to stand. The war will end sooner or later, and we will develop. The Donbas, which for all these years had eaten the remains of the Soviet industry, has been badly damaged. But something new will sooner or later grow in the place of the old things, something better. I am sure about this. We have been going around in circles, and without a terrible shock there would have been no changes in the minds of many people.”