"Oh, if only the war was over…”
Tracing Footsteps in Ukraine – From West to East along My Grandfather's March Route
Only toward the end of his life did my grandfather break his silence. Thearmor of suppressionbegan to fracture, and he started to speak about his memories of his march through Ukraine and the Russian campaign as a mountain soldier during World War II. In 2012 and 2013, I followed his former route with my camera, traveling from western and central Ukraine through the Donbas all the way to the Kuban region.
The result was not a historical reconstruction, but rather a personal and empathetic exploration of a country that shaped my grandfather. I met veterans, contemporary witnesses, and families who opened their doors to me. They shared their stories and mementos, speaking of war, loss, and carrying on in its aftermath. Born out of this trust, these portraits and landscapes reveal the profound resonance of the past.
At that time, Ukraine was at peace. Against the backdrop of the conflict that began in 2014 and escalated into Russia’s war of aggression in 2022, these photographs take on a haunting relevance. Many of the places I visited are once again sites of destruction; once again, people are suffering.
The project weaves together the confrontation with a German family history and the question of whether reconciliation is possible. At the Chapel of Reconciliation, this search for traces becomes a space for pause and reflection. It invitesus to toreflecton memory and historical responsibility, to recognize the priceless value of freedom, and to give voice to a deep longing for peace.
The exhibition is dedicated to my grandfather.
Location
Chapel of Reconciliation
Bernauer Str. 4, 10115 Berlin
Opening Reception
Thursday, September 17, 2026, 6 pm
Artist Talk
Saturday, October 10, 2026, 3 pm
Exhibition Dates
September 17 – October 16, 2026
Hours
Tuesday – Sunday, 10 am – 5 pm
