“The grass was high”
© Lesya Kharchenko
© Lesya Kharchenko
An exhibition with portraits and stories of survivors of National Socialist persecution from Ukraine
A quick glimpse through a window, a warm embrace – Ukrainian photographer Lesya Kharchenko takes us along on an exploration of the memories of survivors of National Socialist persecution. Over 30 portraits and quotes show how their experiences continue to live on for the victims to this day. This is also reflected in the exhibition’s title: the quote is from a Roma woman who says she had to hide in the grass to survive during the war. A selection of eleven portraits can be seen on the Foundation’s website. The exhibition opened in October 2020 has already been shown in many cities in Ukraine.
Concept, photos, and text: Lesya Kharchenko. Scientific editor: Tetiana Pastuschenko.
There is nothing more difficult than admitting one’s fault and repenting. I was very much eased after the Germans admitted their guilt and apologized.
We were taken to Germany. Nobody wanted to take for work a mother with three kids. We were separated. My brother was repeatedly beaten by a housewife. My sister had to work hard.