Kristina Tsyhanova

100x100 cm
Archival digital print on paper

Andrejs Strokins

Riga, Latvia
2024

Transcription under the portrait



Audio transcription

I always wanted to explore the world and discover new places.
And also to have a place that I will look forward to returning to.

This place is Ukraine.

The beginning of this war forever changed my perception of the Ukrainian people and the true values of life. The desire to be close to my people turned out to be the most cherished thing for me. I was never afraid for myself, but the fear I felt for loved ones, friends and even strangers - it prompted me to act, help and save. In the first days, it was unbearably difficult because of injustice and own helplessness, but it was the unity and solidarity of Ukrainians that gave hope and determination to move. The evacuation sites filled with frightened people will forever remain in my memory, but as it turned out later, the most terrible events are ahead... this wound is very fresh and the scar from it will forever remain a reminder.

I dream of returning to my hometown, building a house there and continuing to help, thereby thanking my country and people for my childhood and upbringing.