(re)Settled - The Road to Wigan Pier

2024-25

Two years on from the 2022 Russian invasion of Eastern Ukraine three Ukrainian families, now living in Wigan, share their experiences of life in the UK and the impact conflict had on their lives back home. This work aims to continue raising awareness around the ongoing conflict, which has continued to slip from the news cycle. By addressing the problematic, homogenised representation of Ukrainians and highlighting the individual impact of war this work reveals the challenges and opportunities that come with settling in a strange new home.

Conceptualised as a collaborative project this work brings together archival, candid and portrait photography alongside narratives of lived experiences. Originally designed to be presented in comparative placements, the contrast of personalities and experiences reflecting the individual diversity within Ukrainian identity. Participant recruitment was supported by United Ukraine in Manchester.

Presented here is the digital version of a printed Zine produced, by Open Eye Gallery, to be distributed alongside the touring exhibition HOME as it visited The Turnpike Gallery in Leigh from 30 Nov 2024 - 25 Jan 2025.