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Meat, Fish &
Aubergine Caviar






Book "Meat, Fish &
Aubergine Caviar" by Overlapse, UK


Favourite book of 2023 by Lensculture & Photo-eye

Order your copy here



This project highlights the richness of Ukrainian culture and traditions, as seen in the vibrant still lifes of colourful vegetables. I also emphasise the importance of preparing and sharing a meal and show the deep-rooted traditions of Ukrainian cuisine. This serves as a reminder of the value of family and community, tying together the cultural heritage that shapes us.

(2016-2019) Odesa, Ukraine



"Meat Fish & Aubergine Caviar" is a project I have created between 2016 and 2021 in Odesa, Ukraine. Through this project I explore the themes of vulnerability, beauty, routine and hope, focusing on the dynamics within family relationships. Within this selection of images, I aim to capture a range of emotions, from the heartbreaking sadness of not being able to see loved ones due to war, to the optimistic anticipation of a future reunion in my childhood home of Odesa.

One of the aspects that makes "Meat Fish & Aubergine Caviar" visually compelling is the depiction of the passage of time and its effect on my parents, who have become isolated from the outside world due to the devastating impact of the war. Through these photographs I aim to convey the profound beauty of their humanity and the intimacy found in their daily routines. It is a tender and bittersweet portrait of their lives.

"Meat Fish & Aubergine Caviar" is a poignant testament to the fragile and beautiful nature of life itself. It reminds us to cherish every moment we have with our loved ones and serves as a reflection on the importance of appreciating the connections that bind us together.

The End of an Era: beginning of something else...


(or Between Palates & Memories)






2023 - Ongoing (The Netherlands, Brazil)


While working on "Meat, Fish & Aubergine Caviar," my interest in cooking blossomed. I delved into traditional family recipes and collaborated with my husband and daughter to create new ones. Our culinary journey reflects our diverse backgrounds: my husband's Brazilian roots intertwined with Bolivian-Portuguese heritage, and my own upbringing in Odesa, Ukraine, blending Ukrainian, Jewish, Bessarabian, Georgian, and Armenian influences. Our cuisine, much like our identities, is a fusion of ingredients and spices from around the world.

The recent rise of right-wing extremism, which unfairly condemns multiculturalism as a failure, has affected me deeply. As a result, I came up with "The End of an Era (Beginning of something else...)" to highlight the importance of multicultural societies. Through this project, I explore how food fosters human connection in the midst of global challenges. It serves as a tribute to generations of recipes, culinary traditions and the profound impact of sharing meals, transcending stereotypes along the way.

Portraits


Motherhood DE-Constructed