In 2008 a five-day war took place on the territory of the unrecognized republic South Ossetia with the participation of Ossetian, Russian and Georgian forces. The war was preceded by years of skirmishes and constant tension. Going to Tskhinvali, I knew for sure that I want to understand what people have experienced and how they live now, twelve years later. I was wondering how such terrible events affect the lives of children and young people. When you are young or just a child, you easily notice how kind and beautiful the world around is. But when war surrounds you, it’s much harder.
Elena Kalyuzhnaya is a contemporary documentary photographer based in Saint-Petersburg, Russia. Student of Academy of documentary photography “Fotografika” in Saint-Petersburg. Originally from small town on South of Russia, Elena appreciate authentity of rural area and its traditions. Human place in a society, PTSD emotions and life in post-wars and problematic regions are main topics of her work. Elena’s work were published in Dodho magazine, Takie dela, Republic and Regnum publishing. Also her work was a part of Ariano Film festival.
